{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ronald McNair Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9007727,"projectId":9594940,"letterContent":"We want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU from our entire second-grade class! Because of your incredible generosity, we have successfully received our requested supplies—the Kleenex, cleaning materials, and, most excitingly, our new Science Kit. Your contribution has already made a profound impact on both our well-being and our learning environment. The Kleenex and cleaning materials are keeping our classroom healthy and happy, fostering independence as students take responsibility for a clean shared space. In a simple but meaningful moment, students who previously avoided tissues are now confidently reaching for them, and they are enthusiastically pitching in during clean-up with the new wipes and spray.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of the materials was met with pure excitement! When the science kit box was unsealed, a chorus of \"Oohs\" and \"Ahs\" filled the room, with one student asking, \"Are we going to be real scientists now?\" They immediately recognized these items as tools for real exploration. We put them to use right away during our unit on the states of matter, where my second graders used the kit to create ice-bag-salt-shake ice cream. This hands-on experiment allowed them to observe the freezing point and how liquids turn into solids, turning an abstract concept into an unforgettable, educational moment of discovery.\r\n\r\nWe are now excited to build on this momentum, thanks to your support! Our next big project involves using the science kit to explore simple machines. Students will be working in small groups to design, build, and test different types of levers and ramps, challenging them to think like engineers and solve problems. Your donation is a true investment, giving my second graders the chance to stay healthy, learn responsibility, and engage in the kind of exciting, hands-on science that will inspire them for years to come. Thank you once again for your incredible support.","fullyFundedDate":1755723258426,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-students-for-success-in-2025-2/9594940/","projectTitle":"Equipping Students for Success in 2025-2026","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moorer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9007727_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682002368733","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9007727"},{"teacherId":9932627,"projectId":9627087,"letterContent":"This year is off to a great start and that is all because of your donations towards our classroom. Thank you very much for the cleaning supplies. We truly appreciate your generous donations. \r\nYour gift of generous has help to keep the classroom clean and ready for the students to learn each day. For some students there at home life does not allow them to do their work in a clean environment. Which is why your donations is so much more important than you know it. Being able to give students a chance to not have to worry about doing their work in a space, where they have to question if the space is clean, is something I will be forever thankful for. I hope you keep donating what you can. Thank you very much again.","fullyFundedDate":1755808388094,"projectUrl":"project/cleaning-supplies-for-students/9627087/","projectTitle":"Cleaning supplies for students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9932627_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x320,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740667133223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9932627"},{"teacherId":6787699,"projectId":9085019,"letterContent":"As our second week of school is coming to a close, our classroom is beyond grateful for the materials that we've received from your generous donations. These materials have made a world of a difference this school year and has already been put to great use and it is only week 2!\r\n\r\nOur students have been enjoying \"tapping into touch\" with our sensory activity table, sand & water fine motor set, kinetic sand and foam paint. We've also been keeping our material clean with our disinfectant wipes and our hands clean with our baby wipes. As the temperature has dropped, we've been making use of our Kleenex as well. \r\n\r\nWe are looking forward to the continued use of all of our materials as the school year moves forward. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1747493581393,"projectUrl":"project/tapping-into-touch/9085019/","projectTitle":"Tapping into Touch!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pope","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6787699_orig.jpg?crop=710,710,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691795335703","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6787699"},{"teacherId":9920445,"projectId":9353957,"letterContent":"On behalf of all you donated, thank you for your generous donation to my project (Snack Time). Your support of my project has made a big difference to my classroom and it is truly vital to letting me know that someone out there cares about our students in this neighborhood. \r\n\r\nBecause of your gift, I am now able to provide snacks to the students who come from families who can't afford to buy lunch, let a lone snacks for their child/children. For example, your contribution will help my students not to look at other students and want to take there snacks because now they have their own.\r\n\r\nYour support is making a real difference in [this Austin community. We are so grateful for your partnership in our work to create a brighter future.","fullyFundedDate":1755806154254,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time/9353957/","projectTitle":"Snack Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Whitfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9920445_orig.jpg?crop=811,811,x0,y83&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740499824462","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sotoris-whitfield"},{"teacherId":8566387,"projectId":9493208,"letterContent":"We're incredibly grateful for your generous donation of volleyball equipment to the McNair Elementary girls' volleyball team. Since receiving the new gear, our athletes have not only had reliable, high-quality resources on the court but also a tangible boost in confidence and teamwork. A standout moment came last week during a spike drill: with fresh knee pads, ankle supports, and well-matched practice gear, the players moved faster, communicated more clearly, and finished the drill with a burst of excitement and high-fives. This moment encapsulated what your support means—material resources translating into real, measurable growth in skill, discipline, and school pride.\r\n\r\nWhen the equipment first arrived, the team gathered around the bags with curious energy and smiles that lit up the gym. The players eagerly unpacked each item, trying on uniforms, adjusting knee pads for the perfect fit, and testing a few serves with the new volleyballs. The excitement was contagious; several newer players commented that the gear made them feel like they belonged to a larger, capable program, which encouraged them to push through early nerves and focus on fundamentals.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the team will channel this momentum into a focused training block aligned with our current season goals: refining serve receive, improving ball handling under pressure, and integrating more advanced defensive formations. We plan a mid-season clinic with a guest coach and a student-led video analysis project where players review game footage to identify patterns and adjust our strategies. We'd be happy to share progress updates and photos from these activities as the season unfolds. Thank you again for investing in our athletes; your generosity is shaping both on-court performance and the students' confidence, leadership, and love of the game.","fullyFundedDate":1754250524690,"projectUrl":"project/strengthening-our-community-girls-voll/9493208/","projectTitle":"Strengthening Our Community: Girls' Volleyball Equipment Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8566387"},{"teacherId":10016361,"projectId":9353865,"letterContent":"I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of photography equipment. Your support has already made a meaningful impact on our students and the learning environment, and its benefits will extend far into the future.\r\n\r\nThis summer, students used the donated gear to explore photography hands-on—experimenting with composition, lighting, exposure, and storytelling. They documented activities, experimented with different techniques, and collaborated on mini-projects that required planning, patience, and careful teamwork. The experience not only sharpened technical skills but also fostered confidence, creativity, and a sense of pride in their work.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the equipment will continue to serve as a vital resource for future classes and clubs. Students will be able to:\r\n\r\n-Engage in project-based learning across visual arts, science, history, and media literacy.\r\n-Develop a portfolio of work that can be shared in exhibitions, school publications, and community events.\r\n-Participate in after-school photography clubs and capstone projects that emphasize observation, critical thinking, and care for gear.\r\n-Benefit from ongoing opportunities to learn from peers and mentors, producing tangible outcomes that demonstrate growth over time.\r\n\r\nWe are committed to maintaining and integrating this resource thoughtfully, with clear usage guidelines and a rotating schedule to ensure all students have access. Your generosity has already sparked curiosity and opportunity, and we are grateful for your partnership in fostering a vibrant, student-centered learning environment.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and belief in our students. We look forward to sharing their progress and celebrating their successes with you.","fullyFundedDate":1748547787175,"projectUrl":"project/photography-equipment-to-empower-student/9353865/","projectTitle":"Photography Equipment to Empower Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10016361_orig.jpg?crop=3230,3230,x0,y86&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755264545034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10016361"},{"teacherId":9147641,"projectId":9227583,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my students with these amazing books. They found so much joy in opening the packages and seeing all their new options. We could read different books about grief and emotions like anger and sadness.\r\n\r\nWith my students living on the westside of Chicago they have all faced loss in their lives and these books helped them understand what they were feeling and they saw that they weren't alone in their grief. \r\n\r\nThey were able to see themselves in these books and really connect to what was going on. The conversations that preceded the reading of the books were so powerful and meaning for to them. I am forever grateful truly!","fullyFundedDate":1745969391055,"projectUrl":"project/big-books-for-big-feelings/9227583/","projectTitle":"Big Books for Big Feelings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9147641_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y159&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744208830470","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9147641"},{"teacherId":4498076,"projectId":9352143,"letterContent":"Your contributions to our Field Day project will directly translate into vibrant opportunities for our students' physical and social-emotional development. Field Day is more than just a day of games; it's an opportunity for students to engage in physical activity, teamwork, and memorable experiences that foster healthy habits and build crucial social skills. \r\n\r\nImagine their faces as they use vibrant pool noodles for creative games, feel the refreshing splash of water balloons during a friendly toss, and express themselves through artistic endeavors with colorful face paint and vibrant chalk. \r\n\r\nThe opportunity to engage in creative expression with materials like chalk and face paint also contributes to emotional regulation and a sense of accomplishment. By investing in these engaging and enriching experiences, you empower our students to develop lifelong healthy habits, build confidence, and cultivate social-emotional skills essential for success both in and out of the classroom","fullyFundedDate":1748541084810,"projectUrl":"project/student-appreciation-field-day/9352143/","projectTitle":"Student Appreciation Field Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clayborn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4498076_orig.jpg?crop=550,550,x691,y712&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747671255229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4498076"},{"teacherId":6270469,"projectId":9079246,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation of winter coats for our students. Your kindness arrived just in time, ensuring that our children stay warm, safe, and confident during the cold months. For many families in our school community, quality winter gear can be a financial challenge—your support helped remove that burden and replaced it with comfort, joy, and dignity.\r\n\r\nSeeing our students come to school bundled up in their new coats—with big smiles on their faces—was truly heartwarming. These coats don't just protect them from the weather; they also allow our students to walk to school, play outside, and participate in recess and after-school activities without worry. Your donation had a direct and powerful impact on their daily lives. Thank you for helping us care for the whole child—not just academically, but personally and practically.","fullyFundedDate":1737770228935,"projectUrl":"project/winter-coats-hats-and-gloves/9079246/","projectTitle":"Winter Coats, Hats, and Gloves","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6270469_orig.jpg?crop=444,444,x182,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669565194065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6270469"},{"teacherId":6270469,"projectId":9079195,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of bikes and helmets for our students. Your gift goes far beyond providing transportation—it represents freedom, independence, and joy. For many of our students, this is their very first bike, and the excitement on their faces was unforgettable. These bikes offer a safe and healthy way for students to get to school, explore their neighborhoods, and engage in outdoor activity, all while building confidence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation is lasting. By including helmets, you've ensured our students are riding safely and responsibly. These bikes are more than a gift—they are a symbol of care, encouragement, and opportunity. Your kindness has made our students feel seen and supported, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Thank you for being a part of our mission to create equitable and joyful experiences for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1738964932529,"projectUrl":"project/bikes-and-protective-helmets/9079195/","projectTitle":"Bikes and Protective Helmets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6270469_orig.jpg?crop=444,444,x182,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669565194065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6270469"},{"teacherId":6270469,"projectId":9188597,"letterContent":"Hosting a picnic at the end of the school year provides students with a joyful and memorable way to celebrate their hard work and achievements. It fosters a sense of community, strengthens relationships among peers and staff, and creates lasting positive memories tied to school. The relaxed, outdoor setting allows students to unwind, reflect on the year, and feel recognized for their growth. For many, especially those from underserved communities, this kind of event reinforces that school is a place where they are valued, supported, and celebrated beyond academics.","fullyFundedDate":1746787252181,"projectUrl":"project/picnic-snacks/9188597/","projectTitle":"Picnic Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6270469_orig.jpg?crop=444,444,x182,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669565194065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6270469"},{"teacherId":9920445,"projectId":9232456,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your help. Your donation not only helped us with snacking for my students, it also help with us not being so limited to what we gave for being afraid of not having enough. With your donation, we had more than enough to go around to where they were nmade some goodie bags at the end of the school year. \r\n\r\nPutting smiles on my students faces was the best year of the school year I could have ever asked for. Know that some students don't have and can't afford, made me feel extra joy to see how appreciated they were to have more than just a cookie to snack on.","fullyFundedDate":1746717729434,"projectUrl":"project/snacking-towards-a-cleaner-classroom/9232456/","projectTitle":"Snacking Towards a Cleaner Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Whitfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9920445_orig.jpg?crop=811,811,x0,y83&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740499824462","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sotoris-whitfield"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5415","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":333,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":74,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.7,"schoolId":5415,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ronald McNair Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ronald McNair Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/mcnair-academic-center/5415"}
Join the 892 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ronald McNair Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 333 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.8:1.
Its teachers have had 304 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
96%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Ronald McNair 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.
Ronald McNair Elementary School
$198,898
raised using DonorsChoose
304
projects
funded
77
teachers
funded
892
donors
34
projects
for
basic supplies
44
projects for
technology
30
projects for
books
13
projects
for
art supplies
Ronald McNair Elementary School has received support from
541 individuals from Illinois and
351 individuals out-of-state.