{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"May Whitney Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9078294,"projectId":9063182,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a set of dictionaries that are making a big impact on our daily learning. These dictionaries aren't just books on a shelf—they're powerful tools that help students become more independent, confident readers and writers.\r\n\r\nWith these dictionaries, students are learning how to look up unfamiliar words, explore multiple meanings, check spelling, and better understand how language works. We've been using them during writing time, reading groups, vocabulary lessons, and even during curious moments when someone asks, \"What does that word mean?\"\r\n\r\nOne of the best parts has been watching students get excited about words. A few of our students have even started keeping lists of new words they've discovered—and proudly using them in their writing! For students who need a little extra support with reading or language, having a physical resource to turn to has been a game-changer.\r\n\r\nYour gift is helping build strong literacy skills and fostering a love of words. Thank you for putting such a valuable resource into our hands—we're so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1743021139803,"projectUrl":"project/words-at-their-fingertips-empowering-st/9063182/","projectTitle":"Words at Their Fingertips: Empowering Students with Dictionaries and Thesauruses","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Queffelec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9078294_orig.png?crop=158,158,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736961005069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9078294"},{"teacherId":7936914,"projectId":8663053,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the iSurvived model books for our book clubs. With these books, students are put into small groups. In these groups, students read independently and work on their \"thinking voices\" while they read. They work on putting their thoughts on post-it notes while they react to the text. After reading half of the book, students meet with their small group for their halfway meeting and then a final meeting at the very end. We work on student-led discussions where students build on one another's ideas. \r\nThe reading in our classroom is done in these book clubs to give students new titles and new genres to be exposed to. The iSurvived model books offers students an author that they might like and want to read other books from in the future. They can then continue these books at their reading level in their independent reading. Hopefully, this will bridge the gap between required reading in school, and they want to continue reading outside of school in their own time.\r\nMany students in my classroom have dived into their iSurvived model book. They are always asking when they can read in school. They also showed their focus and excitement in the book when it came to their student-led discussions. Students asked, answered, and brought up topics they thought about while reading. This book club series has been such a joy in our classroom, and I have seen how students have loved iSurvived books as an series.","fullyFundedDate":1724562649619,"projectUrl":"project/book-club-model-book/8663053/","projectTitle":"Book Club Model Book","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wolf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7936914_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668202493966","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936914"},{"teacherId":7936914,"projectId":8724432,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the battle of the books series for our book clubs. With these books, students are put into small groups. In these groups, students read independently and work on their \"thinking voices\" while they read. They work on putting their thoughts on post-it notes while they react to the text. After reading half of the book, students meet with their small group for their halfway meeting and then a final meeting at the very end. We work on student-led discussions where students build on one another's ideas. \r\nThe reading in our classroom is done in these book clubs to give students new titles and new genres to be exposed to. The Battle of the Books series offers students an author that they might like and want to read other books from in the future. They can then continue these books at their reading level in their independent reading. Hopefully, this will bridge the gap between the required reading in school and their desire to continue reading outside of school in their own time.\r\nMany students in my classroom have dived into their Battle of the Books book. They are always asking when they can read in school. They also showed their focus and excitement in the book when it came to their student-led discussions. Students asked, answered, and brought up topics they thought about while reading. This book club series has been a joy in our classroom, and I have seen how students love these books!","fullyFundedDate":1729912969506,"projectUrl":"project/2024-battle-of-the-books/8724432/","projectTitle":"2024 Battle of the Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wolf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7936914_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668202493966","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936914"},{"teacherId":9078294,"projectId":8587343,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom! The new science books have truly transformed our learning environment and opened up exciting opportunities for our students. Here's a glimpse into the impact these resources have had:\r\n\r\nSkills and Lessons Introduced\r\nThe science books have allowed us to dive into critical concepts like the scientific method, environmental sustainability, and basic engineering principles. Beyond content knowledge, the books help our students develop skills such as analyzing data, thinking critically about cause-and-effect relationships, and applying science to real-world challenges. For example, a recent chapter on ecosystems led to discussions about food webs and conservation, and students were excited to brainstorm ways they could make a positive impact in their own communities.\r\n\r\nReading in the Classroom\r\nIn our classroom, reading science books is an interactive and dynamic process. Students work in pairs or small groups to read, annotate, and discuss the material, often tying it to hands-on experiments or multimedia resources. We use the books not only for comprehension but as springboards for exploration. For example, after reading about simple machines, students built working models using everyday materials, bringing the text to life in tangible ways.","fullyFundedDate":1727999997431,"projectUrl":"project/science-adventures-fueling-curiosity-w/8587343/","projectTitle":"Science Adventures: Fueling Curiosity with Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Queffelec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9078294_orig.png?crop=158,158,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736961005069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9078294"},{"teacherId":1846788,"projectId":9031891,"letterContent":"We just made our Earth models and the kids loved it. Each student had different colors for the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. Then I helped them bisect the model with fishing line to see all the layers together! We also read an article describing the layers as we constructed them.\r\n\r\nFinally, when the Earth was divided in half, I gave each child four toothpicks to stick into each layer. They were given paper to make flags to label the layers. \r\n\r\nThe best part was that they got to keep them; they were so excited to take them home and show their families. Thank you for supporting my students' learning and for being a part of our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1736328051267,"projectUrl":"project/models-of-earths-layers/9031891/","projectTitle":"Models of Earth's Layers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1846788_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454698165840","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1846788"}],"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":84.1,"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"}