{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mount Vernon Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5643547,"projectId":10185620,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our Family Paint and Sip Event! Your generosity is helping us celebrate our middle school mentor program and strengthen the vital \"village\" that supports our 76 scholars at Mount Vernon Elementary.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we transformed our gymnasium into an art studio complete with canvases, paints, and easels. This event was so much more than just an art project—it is a bridge that brings parents, students, and faculty mentors together to build lasting memories, support social-emotional growth, and celebrate our students' transitions through these crucial years.\r\n\r\nYour investment means the world to our community here in Chicago. Thank you for providing the resources to make this special night possible for our families and mentors.","fullyFundedDate":1777996942331,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-connections/10185620/","projectTitle":"Colorful Connections!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kiruci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5643547_orig.jpg?crop=4528,4528,x975,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1635872637484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kiruci"},{"teacherId":5643547,"projectId":10151803,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our graphic novel project to life! Your generosity is providing my 76 middle schoolers at Mount Vernon Elementary with books that do more than just build reading skills, they build empathy, connection, and self-acceptance.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom library now includes powerful stories from underrepresented authors that dive into identity, social-emotional growth, and American history. For my reluctant readers and English Language Learners, these graphic novels remove the intimidation factor of traditional text and replace it with complex, visual storytelling that they are genuinely excited to read.\r\n\r\nYour support means the world to us. By putting these specific, high-interest books directly into the hands of students who are hungry for stories that matter, you are fostering a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1773842533108,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-and-book-sets-for-diverse/10151803/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels and Book Sets for Diverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kiruci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5643547_orig.jpg?crop=4528,4528,x975,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1635872637484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kiruci"},{"teacherId":3244635,"projectId":10226735,"letterContent":"Wow!!!!\r\nThank You for helping me to get Painting Canvases and Easels for my students. Your donations helped my studemts have a get paint and sip event. The students were able to complete a beautiful painting project while also meeting with their mentor. The event was s great success becsuse of your support!!!\r\nSpecial thanks to the Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand Foundation who helped double contributions and for making this project a Great Success!!! i could not have completed this project without your support!!!! Thank you all for helping to Fully Fund this Project!!!\r\nBlessings to You!!!","fullyFundedDate":1777904330961,"projectUrl":"project/wanted-painting-canvas-and-easels-asa/10226735/","projectTitle":"Wanted! Painting Canvas and Easels ASAP!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3244635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448417103866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdebragarner"},{"teacherId":3244635,"projectId":10187581,"letterContent":"Wow!!!!\r\nThank You for Your Wonderful Donations!!!\r\nI could not have completed this project without your Help!!!! Your contributions helped my students to calm with slime and build friendships playing UNO with other students. It was great to watch students learn to take turns, smile and laugh. Students also used the slime to help them calm and manage their own emotions. Thank you for your Support. I really Appreciate You!!! Your donations will never be forgotten!!! My social and emotional class will continue to be a fun learning experience because of you outstanding generosity!!!\r\nThank You Again for helping to Fukly Fund Project!!! Blessings to You!!!","fullyFundedDate":1776610895491,"projectUrl":"project/calm-down-and-build-friendships/10187581/","projectTitle":"Calm Down and Build Friendships!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3244635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448417103866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdebragarner"},{"teacherId":5643547,"projectId":9929112,"letterContent":"On behalf of our wonderful students at Mount Vernon Elementary, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Panda Cares and our dedicated donors for bringing this project to life. Your generosity has provided my students with vibrant alternatives to the digital world, allowing these energetic middle schoolers to build crucial social emotional skills through face-to-face interaction. By funding these resources, you have directly invested in the logic, patience, and communication skills of 76 future leaders who are now more engaged and motivated than ever.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these games is felt throughout every part of our school day, serving as vital brain breaks, engaging options for early finishers, and incentives to enjoy an earned during Friday Free Time. Even during lunch recess, our classroom is a hub of activity where students choose to challenge one another in chess or expand their vocabulary with Word Teasers rather than retreating to screens. Beyond the strategy games, the jewelry beads and charms have sparked a beautiful tradition of kindness, as students have spent their time crafting special pieces to celebrate and honor our faculty and staff during school celebrations.\r\n\r\nBy supporting this project, you have helped us infuse our classroom with both critical thinking and genuine fun while fostering deep relationships among peers. Thank you for recognizing the potential in our classroom and for providing the tools that help my students grow into sharper thinkers and more connected citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1769177193960,"projectUrl":"project/unplugged-and-engaged-building-critical/9929112/","projectTitle":"Unplugged and Engaged: Building Critical Thinkers through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kiruci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5643547_orig.jpg?crop=4528,4528,x975,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1635872637484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kiruci"},{"teacherId":3244635,"projectId":9985389,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations. Your donation helped me to get incentives for the SEL Student Support Center. My students are thankful. I could not have completed this project without your wonderful contributions. I really appreciate your support. The smiles on the face of the students tell me that my students appreciate everything you did to fund this project. You have truly blessed my students. Every school needs a supportive angel to help and support students. Thank you again for your wonderful contributions!!!","fullyFundedDate":1769177167003,"projectUrl":"project/wanted-incentives-for-the-sel-student-s/9985389/","projectTitle":"Wanted! Incentives for the SEL Student Support Center Store","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3244635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448417103866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdebragarner"},{"teacherId":3244635,"projectId":9925310,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me to get bean bag chairs for my SEL Student Support Center Classroom!!!\r\nWhen the students saw the chairs they were so excited and started using them right away!!! They are so beautiful and make the space cozy and comfortable. My students are excited to come in, sit and read in a cozy chair. They also use the space for talking circles. \r\nI really appreciate you for your generous contributions!!! I could not have completed this project without your support!!! Thank you for giving to my classroom!!!","fullyFundedDate":1768524848411,"projectUrl":"project/wanted-bean-bag-flexible-seating-for-se/9925310/","projectTitle":"Wanted! Bean Bag Flexible Seating for SEL Student Support Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3244635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448417103866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdebragarner"},{"teacherId":3244635,"projectId":9729038,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding my project. Wow you helped my students get long sleeve uniform shirts. My students come to school evety day. Most of my students are from low income families and can not afford to buy uniforms You have helped me to give my students long sleeve uniform shirts. It is cold outside and now my students have long sleeve shirts to wear to school. I could not have completed this project without your help. Thank you for your donations. My students have the shirts that you donated and my students are grateful that you took the time to give donations to complete this projects.","fullyFundedDate":1763844147733,"projectUrl":"project/its-cold-my-students-need-long-sleev/9729038/","projectTitle":"It's COLD!!! My Students Need Long Sleeve Uniform Shirts !!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3244635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448417103866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdebragarner"},{"teacherId":5643547,"projectId":9649750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Because of your support, and the wonderful surprise from Kamau's Big Student Surprise, our classroom library has been transformed into a hub of excitement and discovery.\r\n\r\nMy 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are truly amazing. Each student contributes a unique perspective to our Chicago classroom, and it is my mission to ensure they feel valued every single day. These new books, ranging from vivid graphic novels to moving novels in verse, are doing so much more than filling shelves; they are opening doors for my learners.\r\n\r\nWe have already hit the ground running with these new titles. Your donation has fueled \r\nDynamic Book Clubs, where students are engaging in deep discussions about social-emotional themes and underrepresented stories. They are Partner Reading with peers, connecting over shared stories while building both literacy and community.\r\n They are also working on Passion Projects, connecting their personal interests to literary elements, proving that when a student finds the right book, their curiosity knows no bounds.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, especially those who have been reluctant readers in the past, the graphic novels and novels in verse have been game-changers. The visual literacy and vivid imagery in titles like The Poet X and Swim Team provide a bridge for my visual learners, raising their confidence and stirring an enthusiasm for reading that I am so proud to witness.\r\n\r\nSeeing that \"spark\" in their eyes as they relay the roller coaster of emotions these characters experience is the greatest reward. You haven't just provided books, you've nurtured lifelong learners and helped broaden the perspectives of 76 deserving students here at Mount Vernon Elementary.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our future authors, thinkers, and leaders. \r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1760735392906,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-one-book-at-a-time/9649750/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds, One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kiruci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5643547_orig.jpg?crop=4528,4528,x975,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1635872637484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kiruci"},{"teacherId":3244635,"projectId":9713239,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding my project. My students needed uniform shirts and you can through. I could not have completed this project without your help. My students proudly wear the uniform shirts every day. Thank you again for giving your donations. I have students that are from low income families and cannot afford to buy uniforms. You really helped my students in a major way. Thank you for your generosity.. Please feel free to help my students get uniforms anytime. Thank you again for your support","fullyFundedDate":1758300684116,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-need-uniform-shirts/9713239/","projectTitle":"Help! My Students Need Uniform Shirts!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3244635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448417103866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdebragarner"},{"teacherId":3244635,"projectId":9421275,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding my project. My studentz needed uniform shirts and you can through. I could not have completed this project without your help. My students proudly wear the uniform shirts every day. Thank you again for giving your donations. I have students that are from low income families and cannot afford to buy uniforms. You really helped my students in a major way. Thank you for your generosity.. Please feel free to help my students get uniforms anytime. Thank you again for your support","fullyFundedDate":1755707081990,"projectUrl":"project/school-uniforms-needed/9421275/","projectTitle":"School Uniforms Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3244635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448417103866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdebragarner"},{"teacherId":3244635,"projectId":8966345,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contributions to my project. I could not have completed this project without you. You helped my students get the beads they needed to make bracelets and necklaces. My student have the to materials friendship bracelets . Thank you helping me with this project.\r\n\r\nMy student have gathered to make bracelets for family and friends. They really enjoy that they can give something to another person that will make the other person feel appreciated. My student use bracelet making as a time to talk and bond with other studenrs. Thank you again for helping my students.","fullyFundedDate":1739369085474,"projectUrl":"project/my-students-need-beads-and-elastic-to-ma/8966345/","projectTitle":"My Students Need Beads and Elastic to Make Friendship Bracelets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3244635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448417103866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdebragarner"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5591","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":245,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.4,"schoolId":5591,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mount Vernon Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mount Vernon Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/mt-vernon-elementary-school/5591"}