{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Minnie Minoso Academy","outOfStateSupporters":31.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":748374,"projectId":9458618,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us build a library collection with high interest, culturally relevant, and student selected texts. The primary use for the books is for independent reading and to be checked out in our lending library. \r\n\r\nStudents read daily. We engage in book talks, write book reviews, and publicly share our reading on bulletin board displays. Students are excited to read new series such as One of Us in Lying and Manga such as Seven Deadly Sins. \r\n\r\nWe are excited to continue to check out books throughout the year. Thanks you for helping us build a rich library.","fullyFundedDate":1755720040005,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-library-that-excites-readers/9458618/","projectTitle":"Building a Library That Excites Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chavez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp748374_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y312&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755134046657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsclassroom"},{"teacherId":9687412,"projectId":9475259,"letterContent":"It has been incredible to receive all of the supplies we needed to implement the FUSE lab we won a grant for. We have two brand new desktop computers we use for students to use Blender and a design program for a vinyl cutter. \r\n\r\nStudents love FUSE lab. They ask me every day if we are doing it even though they know very well that we only do it once a week. They are showing so much creativity and a spirit of collaboration. \r\n\r\nWe are so thankful to all of the donors who made this possible. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1754600698146,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-supplies-for-the-awesome-stem-pr/9475259/","projectTitle":"We Need Supplies for the Awesome STEM Program We Won!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9687412_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736978255101","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9687412"},{"teacherId":9692341,"projectId":9447023,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous , the Bloom Room now has a new interactive TV and whiteboard through the \"See It to Believe It\" project. These tools have transformed the way our students engage with learning.\r\n\r\nStudents are now able to see concepts come to life in real time, which is especially powerful for those who struggle with abstract ideas. For example, during a recent math lesson, students were able to manipulate magnetic shapes and numbers on the board, immediately seeing the results of their thought process. This visual and interactive approach has boosted understanding, confidence, and participation, particularly for students who previously found lessons intimidating.\r\n\r\nThe project also allows us to quickly pivot lessons, providing flexible, engaging instruction that meets students where they are. Students are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and collaborate, knowing they can visually explore ideas together.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project has turned abstract learning into concrete experiences, helping students grasp challenging concepts, build independence, and feel proud of their accomplishments. Thanks to you, The Bloom Room has become a place where learning is seen, explored, and celebrated.","fullyFundedDate":1753382796364,"projectUrl":"project/see-it-to-believe-it-visual-supports-fo/9447023/","projectTitle":"See It to Believe It: Visual Supports for Diverse Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9692341_orig.png?crop=1080,1080,x70,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753398733657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bloomwithmsbrown"},{"teacherId":9692341,"projectId":9423828,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Bloom Room has become a space where focus and emotional wellness are daily practices. The new resources you provided are woven into the rhythm of our classroom. Students use the flexible seating and wellness tools during independent work, group discussions, and even quick breaks when they need to reset.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments came the first week the materials arrived. A student who often struggles to stay grounded after transitions quietly chose a new seating option and said, \"This helps me think better.\" That simple shift made all the difference—he stayed focused for the entire activity. Moments like that remind me how powerful the right tools can be.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we'll continue building wellness routines into all of our math lessons. Students are already learning to self-advocate for the seating, fidgets, or quiet space they need, and our next step is teaching them to reflect on how these choices support their learning goals. Thanks to you, they're discovering that focus and emotional wellness are part of what makes learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1751755594925,"projectUrl":"project/the-bloom-room-supporting-focus-and-emo/9423828/","projectTitle":"The Bloom Room: Supporting Focus and Emotional Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9692341_orig.png?crop=1080,1080,x70,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753398733657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bloomwithmsbrown"},{"teacherId":7286960,"projectId":9424263,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Every item you helped provide is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools—such as the weighted lap pad, sensory brushes, chew necklaces, and calming stickers—are being used daily to help students regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and stay engaged in learning. Items like the Velcro and laminating sheets allow us to keep materials organized and durable, ensuring that lessons run smoothly and resources last all year.\r\n\r\nThe light tables, tap lights, and pin art boards are bringing creativity and excitement into our lessons, while the phoneme phones and magnetic money are strengthening literacy and math skills in fun, interactive ways. Even the case of water you helped provide is important—it supports our student-led Friday coffee shop, where students practice real-world skills in communication, responsibility, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have access to the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. These resources are not just \"extras\"—they are vital supports that give my students opportunities to succeed each day.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in them and investing in their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1752952236309,"projectUrl":"project/support-autism-independence-with-sensory/9424263/","projectTitle":"Support Autism Independence with Sensory and Communication Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hummer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7286960_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593212251338","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7286960"},{"teacherId":748374,"projectId":8749604,"letterContent":"The library was jumping all school year because of the cozy vibe with the new floor cushions and the amazing books available to students. \r\n\r\nMy middle school classes were eager to read all the new non-fiction including biographies about Michelle Obama, Steph Curry, and Baynard Rustin. The sports books did not remain on the shelves, especially the books about Lebron and Messi. Naturally this fueled debates about who the GOAT was and we had evidence from the biographies to support our claims. \r\n\r\nLastly, I was especially grateful for the Scholastic non-fiction task cards. These were used daily in one-on-one session to support students in need of extra practice related central idea on non-fiction passages. The stories were engaging, short, and included 5 skill questions to check comprehension. My students work daily with our TA and me to practice some essential skills in a smaller setting.","fullyFundedDate":1726327180072,"projectUrl":"project/non-fiction-for-middle-school-readers/8749604/","projectTitle":"Non-Fiction for Middle School Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chavez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp748374_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y312&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755134046657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsclassroom"},{"teacherId":748374,"projectId":8523193,"letterContent":"My middle school students love books. We've spent the year curating our library with high interest titles, student selected texts, and author we love. Your donation filled our shelves with books students were excited about.\r\n\r\n In addition to building a well rounded library, we've been READING! Thrillers! Horror! Realistic fiction by middle grade favorites! Independent reading happens everyday in our reading block. We always have time to build stamina and to engage with a text whether it be by annotating with post its, chatting using a discourse strategy, or writing about our reading practicing a specific skill in our notebooks or on Google classroom discussion board.\r\n\r\nOur book talks have been rich. Our book lover reading bucket was filled. We have you to thank!","fullyFundedDate":1725733162596,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-and-more-books/8523193/","projectTitle":"Books, Books, and More Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chavez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp748374_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y312&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755134046657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsclassroom"},{"teacherId":748374,"projectId":8490323,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my middle school classroom to ensure my middle school readers have access to graphic novels. During the first month of school, we spent lots of time developing our reader's identity and our reading stamina. \r\n\r\nStudents had daily opportunities to practice independent reading through stamina drills, writing about reading, and talking about their reading through discourse strategies like mixed-pair-share, speed chatting, and discussion board posts.\r\n\r\nMy middle school students were obsessed with all the amazing titles and manga series. Word got out to 4th and 5th grade about Attack on Titan box set so our classroom library turned into a multi-grade lending library.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is appreciated!!","fullyFundedDate":1723836455207,"projectUrl":"project/more-graphic-novels-for-middle-school-re/8490323/","projectTitle":"More Graphic Novels for Middle School Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chavez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp748374_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y312&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755134046657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsclassroom"},{"teacherId":9687412,"projectId":9100046,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. Thanks to you, we were able to invite parents to class for a parent interactive day. It was so wonderful watching students work side-by-side with parents and guardians to build catapults, test them, and rebuild them.\r\n\r\nThe supplies for catapults also lasted beyond the project itself. We were able to use the popsicle sticks and pom pons in multiple projects including one in which students built models of the nuclear fuel cycle.\r\n\r\nThese hands-on projects are absolutely essential for students and it makes science particularly challenging in a public school with a limited budget. It takes donors like you to bring this foundational learning to our students.","fullyFundedDate":1738955469947,"projectUrl":"project/catapults-for-parent-interactive-day/9100046/","projectTitle":"Catapults for Parent Interactive Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9687412_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736978255101","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9687412"},{"teacherId":9687412,"projectId":9063986,"letterContent":"It has been SO incredible to have our huge, 55 gallon aquatic ecosystem in the classroom along with the many living creatures we have added to it. \r\n\r\nWe have had lessons cataloguing all of the living and non-living elements of the take and what role they play in the ecosystem.\r\n\r\nThe tank has also proven to be a calming presence. It is located in the back of the room by the calm corner and students often gaze at it and watch the fish when they would like to feel calm. None of the fish have reproduced yet but we are keeping a careful eye.\r\n\r\nStudents come to the classroom during lunch and recess weekly and learn how to test the water and clean the tank. We do 25% partial water changes so we work together to calculate how much water to take out and put in, along with how much conditioning to add. Students are also active in feeding the fish, of course! \r\n\r\nThank you so, so much for making this wonderful addition to our science classroom possible.","fullyFundedDate":1737255987566,"projectUrl":"project/natural-selection-in-real-time-and-a-com/9063986/","projectTitle":"Natural Selection in Real Time and a Comforting Fish Tank!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9687412_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736978255101","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9687412"},{"teacherId":2462233,"projectId":9095667,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of a new classroom rug for our classroom. Your support in enhancing our learning environment is truly appreciated.\r\n\r\nThe new rug has already made a significant difference in our classroom. It has transformed our space into a more comfortable and bright area for my students. We use the rug daily for a variety of activities, including morning meeting, library small groups, our daily read aloud, math mini lessons and so so much more. Because it fits our whole class, it has significantly supported with students coming to the rug ready to learn since they know they will have a spot to sit at the rug. \r\n\r\nMy students and I are incredibly grateful for your generosity. Your contribution has not only provided us with a functional and comfortable space but has also shown my students the power of community support. It is heartening to know that there are people like you who are invested in their education and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1739822766459,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rug/9095667/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wojciechowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2462233"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5577","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":315,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":91,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":45,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.7,"schoolId":5577,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Minnie Minoso Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Minnie Minoso Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/mcclellan-elementary-school/5577"}