{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mark Twain Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3042570,"projectId":9907131,"letterContent":"On behalf of my kindergarten classroom, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. In kindergarten, we aren't just learning the \"basics\"—we are building the very foundation of how these children view learning for the rest of their lives.\r\n\r\nYour donation of high-quality literacy, math, and writing tools provides my students with the tactile, hands-on experiences they need to succeed. Here is the specific impact your gift is making in our classroom. \r\n\r\nIn kindergarten, numbers can feel very abstract. The Balance Math Toys and Numberblocks Stacking Game turn math into a physical reality. Writing is one of the most challenging fine motor skills for a five-year-old to master. Your gift addresses this from every angle:\r\n\r\nThe Ticonderoga Short Triangular Pencils and Mr. Pen Pencil Grips are game-changers. They are ergonomically designed for small hands, helping students develop the correct \"tripod grip\" without the frustration of hand fatigue.\r\n\r\nThe Sandpaper Letters and Numbers allow my students to \"feel\" the shape of a letter before they ever pick up a pencil. This multisensory approach is vital for early literacy and memory retention.\r\n\r\nWith the Primary Journal Notebooks and the massive Crayola Classpack, students can bridge the gap between drawing and writing. Having a heavy-duty AFMAT Electric Sharpener means we spend less time \"fixing\" tools and more time using them.","fullyFundedDate":1764080773708,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-young-learners/9907131/","projectTitle":"Tools for Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rueda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3042570_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x424,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1570126164102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-t-garcia"},{"teacherId":3042570,"projectId":9897458,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project! Because of you, our kindergarten classroom is being transformed into a vibrant, sensory-rich environment where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has provided the essential tools we need to support the \"whole child\"—from their social-emotional well-being to their hands-on academic growth. \r\n\r\nThe ABC Alphabet, Numbers & Shapes Rug and the Circle Time Center Pocket Chart have become the heart of our classroom. This designated space provides my students with a consistent \"home base\" for our morning meetings. Having a bright, organized area for group lessons helps my kindergartners focus and feel like they are part of a community.\r\n\r\nKindergarteners learn best when their hands are busy. Your gift has brought magic back into our \"work\":\r\n\r\nThe Sensory Activity Table & LEGO DUPLOs: These tools are the highlight of our day! Whether they are building towers or exploring textures in the water/sand buckets, students are developing fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThe Giant Magnetic Ten Frame makes math lessons \"larger than life.\" Being able to move physical magnets on the whiteboard helps students visualize numbers in a way a worksheet never could.\r\n\r\nI am especially grateful for the Eureka 3-in-1 Vacuum and the Glitter. Often, teachers shy away from high-engagement (but messy) projects. With a reliable vacuum and plenty of glitter, I can say \"yes\" to creative, sparkly art projects and sensory table exploration, knowing that we can clean up our space in minutes!\r\n\r\nYour kindness has direct, daily impact on my students' smiles and their love for school. Thank you for choosing to invest in our classroom and for making these \"big dreams\" a reality for my little learners.","fullyFundedDate":1763853611817,"projectUrl":"project/new-classroom-many-supplies-needed/9897458/","projectTitle":"New Classroom, Many Supplies Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rueda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3042570_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x424,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1570126164102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-t-garcia"},{"teacherId":3042570,"projectId":9909187,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project! Because of you, our kindergarten classroom is being transformed into a vibrant, sensory-rich environment where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has provided the essential tools we need to support the \"whole child\"—from their social-emotional well-being to their hands-on academic growth. \r\n\r\nThe ABC Alphabet, Numbers & Shapes Rug and the Circle Time Center Pocket Chart have become the heart of our classroom. This designated space provides my students with a consistent \"home base\" for our morning meetings. Having a bright, organized area for group lessons helps my kindergartners focus and feel like they are part of a community.\r\n\r\nKindergarteners learn best when their hands are busy. Your gift has brought magic back into our \"work\":\r\n\r\nThe Sensory Activity Table & LEGO DUPLOs: These tools are the highlight of our day! Whether they are building towers or exploring textures in the water/sand buckets, students are developing fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThe Giant Magnetic Ten Frame makes math lessons \"larger than life.\" Being able to move physical magnets on the whiteboard helps students visualize numbers in a way a worksheet never could.\r\n\r\nI am especially grateful for the Eureka 3-in-1 Vacuum and the Glitter. Often, teachers shy away from high-engagement (but messy) projects. With a reliable vacuum and plenty of glitter, I can say \"yes\" to creative, sparkly art projects and sensory table exploration, knowing that we can clean up our space in minutes!\r\n\r\nYour kindness has direct, daily impact on my students' smiles and their love for school. Thank you for choosing to invest in our classroom and for making these \"big dreams\" a reality for my little learners.","fullyFundedDate":1769177194374,"projectUrl":"project/new-classroom-new-centers-and-new-start/9909187/","projectTitle":"New Classroom, New Centers and New Start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rueda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3042570_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x424,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1570126164102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-t-garcia"},{"teacherId":9286147,"projectId":9683185,"letterContent":"When the students saw the Gingerbread Man Problem STEM kit they immediately got their thinking hats on. I saw one student thoughtfully read through the directions and listening to his partners. He was observing them through trial and error. It did take the student time to voice his thoughts but with the SLP modeling and going over team expectations. It was not long before the student informed his team that he knew how to get the Gingerbread man across. \r\n\r\nI am thankful for these resources as I embed them in therapy. They have allowed the students to be critical thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1757553898557,"projectUrl":"project/stem-goodies/9683185/","projectTitle":"STEM Goodies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9286147"},{"teacherId":5150003,"projectId":9586067,"letterContent":"My students and I get so excited to open new things that are sent our way from generous donors such as yourself. The smiles on their faces have given me an early Christmas present. \r\n\r\nThe games and books are used in the classroom and some of the books will be distributed to individuals as behavior reinforcement. As a provider of speech services adding these extras to my classroom is vital as resources continue to be cut. \r\n\r\nI will also be letting the children's families know that your have been thinking of their children.","fullyFundedDate":1762267638535,"projectUrl":"project/games-and-books-to-better-our-speech-the/9586067/","projectTitle":"Games and Books to Better Our Speech Therapy Sessions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5150003_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628525079536","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5150003"},{"teacherId":295654,"projectId":9220586,"letterContent":"When our new board games arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! They immediately gathered around to see which games we received and began discussing which ones they wanted to play first. Many of my English learners were especially eager, as these games provide a fun and low-stress way to practice reading, speaking, and problem-solving in English while collaborating with their classmates. The joy and laughter in the room that day were priceless.\r\n\r\nSince then, we've been using the board games regularly during small-group centers and as part of our social-emotional learning time. The games have helped students strengthen their communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills while also building stronger relationships with one another. It's been wonderful to see English and Spanish speakers working together naturally, using both languages to explain rules, solve problems, and celebrate each other's successes.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using the games as part of our \"Fun Friday\" enrichment sessions, where students will design their own mini-tournaments and even create new rule variations. These board games have brought so much joy and connection to our classroom community, and I'm deeply grateful to our donors for helping make learning feel exciting and meaningful for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1753382799637,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-boosting-learning-and-fun-with/9220586/","projectTitle":"Game On! Boosting Learning and Fun With Board Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. D.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp295654_orig.jpg?crop=436,436,x0,y65&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743463055180","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ngdrak"},{"teacherId":128332,"projectId":9317934,"letterContent":"Words cannot express my gratitude for your generosity! This gift card to teacher pay teachers have been so useful to my teaching and my students.\r\n\r\nAs teaching has becomes more and more digital, teachers pay teachers have become a valuable resource in my classroom. Being able to use already finished lessons and being able to tweak them has saved me so much time that I can devote to other lesson planning, grading, and communicating with parents. This gift card has been a huge help.\r\n\r\nThank you again for help in funding this special project","fullyFundedDate":1746494295759,"projectUrl":"project/resources-to-engage-in-learning/9317934/","projectTitle":"Resources to Engage in Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-cius"},{"teacherId":9286147,"projectId":9265680,"letterContent":"Thank you for this support. The students have enjoyed looking and turning the pages of the books. I have enjoyed seeing their faces light up when they see images that they enjoy. They especially enjoy the puppets that came with the book \"I went Walking\". This has been an amazing experience for the students. In addition to that, my Spanish speakers also enjoy the books \"From Head to Toe\" and \"Brown Bear, brown bear\". \r\n\r\nThis has been an amazing experience for the students. Getting their hands to see a book and to learn that the words have meaning.","fullyFundedDate":1745836794458,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-prek/9265680/","projectTitle":"Books for Prek","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9286147"},{"teacherId":8924072,"projectId":8958732,"letterContent":"Our SEL group was a success because of you! \r\n\r\nYour generous contribution was instrumental in strengthening our efforts to equip students with critical life skills, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we were able to provide fun activities that help us relax, and teach lessons that made our school an even better place. We are so grateful for your kindness!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for being apart of our SEL journey this past school year.","fullyFundedDate":1733253093945,"projectUrl":"project/creating-wise-minds-through-sel-group-in/8958732/","projectTitle":"Creating Wise Minds Through SEL Group Interventions!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCline","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8924072_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674622709861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8924072"},{"teacherId":62165,"projectId":9155680,"letterContent":"We've been using the new comprehension resources to build stronger reading skills and spark more thoughtful discussions in class. One special moment happened during our \"Read and Reflect\" time when we used a new passage about animal habitats.\r\n\r\nAfter reading, students used sentence strips and visual organizers from the resource kit to sequence events and identify the main idea. One student, who usually struggles with focus, confidently stood up and explained how the desert habitat helps animals survive—using details from the text!\r\n\r\nIt was a proud moment that showed how these resources are helping all students grow as readers and thinkers. They're engaging, age-appropriate, and make comprehension strategies feel accessible and fun.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new comprehension materials, their eyes lit up! The colorful visuals, fun characters, and interactive elements immediately grabbed their attention. They were genuinely excited to dive in.\r\n\r\nThey especially loved the non fiction cards—they felt more like puzzles than schoolwork. Even my more reluctant readers were eager to participate. The materials made reading feel fresh and exciting, and the classroom energy definitely shifted in a positive way.","fullyFundedDate":1746627772581,"projectUrl":"project/2nd-grade-reading-comprehension-for-inde/9155680/","projectTitle":"2nd Grade Reading Comprehension for Independent Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quinn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp62165_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467136297882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bridgetstack"},{"teacherId":6761074,"projectId":9190974,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our classroom's color printer and ink. This addition has already made a meaningful impact on our students' learning experience. With access to vibrant, high-quality prints, students are now able to bring their projects, reports, and artwork to life in ways that were previously out of reach. Visual aids have become more engaging, and our learning materials are more interactive and personalized. This has been especially helpful for visual learners, who can better grasp complex concepts when supported by diagrams and vivid illustrations in color!\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most is the ability to see their hard work come to life in full color. They take great pride in printing their final drafts, posters, and creative assignments, boosting motivation and confidence. One student, who previously struggled to stay engaged, has taken a keen interest in design and formatting. Now he eagerly volunteers to create materials for group projects. It's clear that this new technology is not just a tool, but a source of inspiration and empowerment. Thank you for helping make this transformation possible.","fullyFundedDate":1744903259309,"projectUrl":"project/writers-authors-and-poets-unite/9190974/","projectTitle":"Writers, Authors, and Poets Unite!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6761074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645298420231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6761074"},{"teacherId":3042570,"projectId":9124349,"letterContent":"The books about feelings have changed my classroom! I can now have my students pick an emotion plush when they walk into the classroom.\r\n\r\nYesterday, with 22 students in the classroom, they were all able to pick an emotion and express how they felt in a matter of seconds. One student couldn't pick an emotion. Another student took the emotion pineapple and showed it to her, and she was able to express exactly how she was feeling with ease.\r\n\r\nI'm a better teacher now! I'm able to regulate emotions with these young students. Thank you, for believing in me and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746787344605,"projectUrl":"project/big-and-little-feelings/9124349/","projectTitle":"Big and Little Feelings","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rueda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3042570_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x424,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1570126164102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-t-garcia"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5343","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":870,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":90,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.7,"schoolId":5343,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mark Twain Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mark Twain Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/mark-twain-elementary-school/5343"}