{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"May Whitney Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10263152,"projectId":9716817,"letterContent":"I wanted to share what a huge difference your generosity has already made in our classroom. My students and I have been using the new materials every single day, and they've truly transformed our learning space.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments happened during a close-reading lesson last week. We gathered on the carpet, and I introduced a new story using the books and literacy tools you helped provide. As soon as I opened the bin of materials, my students' faces lit up. Several of them immediately asked, \"Can we start now?\" They were so excited to dive in, touch the resources, and explore them together.\r\n\r\nWe used the materials to break down the central message of the story — students highlighted text evidence, used vocabulary cards to support understanding, and even created mini poster visuals to show the lesson of the story. Watching them confidently share their ideas and support each other with the new tools was such a powerful moment.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we'll be using these resources to build deeper comprehension during our next unit. Students will be comparing stories, identifying themes, and working in small groups to create short written responses using the materials you helped provide. These next steps would not be possible without your support.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students opportunities that genuinely elevate their learning. Your kindness is felt in our classroom every day.","fullyFundedDate":1761588608353,"projectUrl":"project/helping-english-language-learners-succee/9716817/","projectTitle":"Helping English Language Learners Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10263152_orig.png?crop=147,147,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757963167981","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10263152"},{"teacherId":9323983,"projectId":9606265,"letterContent":"My students use their iPads throughout the school day, and during math class. In the past, low battery power or missing styluses often disrupted our lessons, since these are essential tools we rely on daily.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous donation, we now have multiple charging stations placed around our classroom. Students can easily charge their iPads while they work. The variety of charging cord lengths allows flexibility so students can join collaborative work groups while charging, or use shorter cables to charge their devices when not in use.\r\n\r\nWe've also placed an emergency stylus at each seat, so one is always available for anyone who needs it. This simple addition has been a lifesaver! Instruction continues smoothly, and there's no more interruption when a student has misplaced their stylus.\r\n\r\nSince these materials arrived, they've been used every day. I know the students appreciate your generosity because everything is always returned to its place at the end of class, without me even needing to remind them!\r\n\r\nThank you for keeping us charged up about learning!","fullyFundedDate":1757084026265,"projectUrl":"project/from-low-battery-to-high-achievers/9606265/","projectTitle":"From Low Battery to High Achievers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Salmon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9323983"},{"teacherId":9323983,"projectId":9318621,"letterContent":"With the new school year under way, the new games have arrived! Students noticed them right away and are looking forward to our first game day coming up soon. There was curiosity around what these new games will be like since the titles are unfamiliar to them. Building curiosity and an enjoyment of math is so very important and I appreciate the donations to build a library of fun math games!\r\n\r\nStudents work hard in my advanced pace classroom and have to bring their best each and every day. Being able to reinforce math skills in fun, playful ways through these high quality games allows us to reward all that hard work while still honing our math skills. And call me old fashioned, but I just love when I see students interacting without a screen in today's culture. Building social skills at the same time helps us prepare future ready citizens. After all, play was meant to be the hard work of childhood.\r\n\r\nWhile I have had another project focused on keeping us technologically powered, this one allows us to stay balanced. Thank you again for contributing to our classroom in meaningful ways!","fullyFundedDate":1746454246854,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-fun/9318621/","projectTitle":"Making Math Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Salmon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9323983"},{"teacherId":9991780,"projectId":9253514,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our classroom is now buzzing with excitement over Rubik's Cube challenges! The cubes have turned problem-solving into a fun and interactive experience. Students are developing critical thinking, patience, and perseverance as they work through each twist and turn. What used to feel like a complicated puzzle has now become a shared challenge that builds confidence and teamwork.\r\n\r\nThese challenges have also encouraged collaboration in new ways. Students naturally gather to help one another, share strategies, and celebrate successes together. We've seen leaders emerge, quiet students find their voice, and friendships form as they work side by side to reach a common goal. The energy and joy in the room during these activities have been incredible to witness.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has shown our students that learning can be creative, challenging, and fun all at once. You've helped them build problem-solving skills that stretch beyond the classroom, all while giving them a sense of accomplishment they'll carry with them. From all of us, thank you for making this unique and meaningful learning opportunity possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746455819735,"projectUrl":"project/rubiks-cube-challenge-for-3rd-graders/9253514/","projectTitle":"Rubik's Cube Challenge for 3rd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaVine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9991780_orig.jpg?crop=335,335,x241,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743820084828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991780"},{"teacherId":9991780,"projectId":9236277,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our classroom has been transformed into a space full of curiosity, exploration, and meaningful learning. The STEAM kits have sparked excitement in every student. Hands-on activities now allow them to experiment, build, and problem-solve in ways that bring science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life. Students are no longer just reading about concepts — they are testing, designing, and discovering for themselves.\r\n\r\nThe biography books you provided have opened new doors for our readers. My students are inspired by real-life stories of people who faced challenges, pursued passions, and made a difference in the world. These books have encouraged thoughtful discussions about perseverance, empathy, and leadership. Many students have even found role models who reflect their own dreams and identities, which has been incredibly empowering.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has shown my students that their learning matters — that people beyond the walls of our classroom care about their education and their future. You've helped create a richer, more engaging learning environment that nurtures both creativity and critical thinking. From all of us, thank you for investing in our students and giving them opportunities to learn in ways that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1743953768727,"projectUrl":"project/3rd-grade-hands-on-steam-and-biography-s/9236277/","projectTitle":"3rd Grade Hands on Steam and Biography Study!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaVine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9991780_orig.jpg?crop=335,335,x241,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743820084828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991780"},{"teacherId":9089109,"projectId":7474208,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of weighted animals to our preschool classroom! These cuddly companions have made a powerful impact on our Little Leaders. From the moment they arrived, the children were drawn to them—each student quickly gravitated toward a favorite and gave it a special name. We now have \"Benny the Bear,\" \"Ellie the Elephant,\" \"Leo the Lion,\" and more, each loved and cared for like a classroom friend.\r\n\r\nThe weighted animals have become a trusted source of calm and comfort for our students, especially during times when big feelings arise. Children naturally reach for them during circle time, transitions, or when they need a moment to regulate. Simply placing one on their laps helps them stay seated and focused, while others enjoy hugging or rocking with their weighted friend during rest or independent play. For many of our students with sensory needs or anxiety, these animals have become a quiet and steady support.\r\n\r\nBeyond their calming benefits, the animals have also become part of our play and storytelling. Students include them in pretend play, build them homes out of blocks, and even bring them to writing center to \"draw their families.\" It's incredible to see how something so simple has encouraged imagination, social-emotional growth, and a deeper sense of safety in our classroom. Thank you for giving our preschoolers a gift that brings joy, comfort, and connection every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1691006884790,"projectUrl":"project/harness-the-power-of-weighted-stuffed-an/7474208/","projectTitle":"Harness the Power of Weighted Stuffed Animals in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pardun","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9089109"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28264","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":685,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":26,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":70,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":84.4,"schoolId":28264,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about May Whitney Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"May Whitney Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/lake-zurich-community-school-district-95/may-whitney-elementary-school/28264"}