{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Murray Language Academy","outOfStateSupporters":40.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10487299,"projectId":10234109,"letterContent":"This donation has made a meaningful difference in my World Language Spanish classroom. At the beginning of the year, our classroom had very few of the basic supplies students use every day. My students were especially grateful to see new crayons, pencils, glue, and other materials ready for them. These may seem like simple supplies, but in our classroom they mean that students can participate in hands-on activities and projects without worrying about whether we have enough materials. Because these are consumable items that need to be replaced throughout the year, this donation also gives me peace of mind knowing that many of our everyday classroom needs are now covered.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting additions has been our new wobbly stool and chair bands. The wobbly stool has quickly become a favorite, but its value goes far beyond being a special seat. For students who benefit from movement during a lesson, it provides a way to release energy while remaining at their workspace and engaged in learning. Flexible seating like this can be expensive and is not something I would normally have available in my classroom without personally purchasing it.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students now have both the everyday supplies they need to create and learn and additional seating options that help make our classroom more responsive to different learners. We will continue using these materials throughout the school year in our Spanish lessons, art activities, and classroom projects. Thank you for helping me create a classroom where students have the materials—and the support—they need to participate fully.","fullyFundedDate":1778269001337,"projectUrl":"project/building-an-engaging-classroom/10234109/","projectTitle":"Building an Engaging Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. del Campo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10487299_orig.jpg?crop=1854,1854,x2177,y537&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789837787150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10487299"},{"teacherId":9321934,"projectId":10450899,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, \"Creating a Classroom Ready for Learning.\" Because of your generosity, my students now have access to learning materials that make our lessons more engaging, accessible, and meaningful. These resources have helped students strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills while allowing them to learn through practice, collaboration, and hands-on activities.\r\n\r\nThe materials have also helped me provide targeted instruction based on each student's individual strengths and learning needs. My students are becoming more confident, independent, and willing to participate in classroom activities. Our next step is to continue using these resources during small-group instruction and skill practice so students can build on their progress and work toward their academic and IEP goals. Thank you for helping us create an inclusive classroom where every student feels supported and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1787664948417,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-classroom-ready-for-learning/10450899/","projectTitle":"Creating a Classroom Ready for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9321934_orig.jpg?crop=1534,1534,x0,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710522356231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9321934"},{"teacherId":843331,"projectId":10244699,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our classroom project! Because of your support, my students now have copies of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. Your contribution has given them more than a novel—it has provided an opportunity to explore history, courage, family, justice, and the power of using one's voice.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment we began reading, students were drawn into the story of Cassie Logan and her family. They have been eager to discuss the characters, make predictions, ask thoughtful questions, and examine the difficult choices the Logan family must make. Having access to individual copies of the novel allows students to follow the story closely, annotate important passages, identify evidence, and participate confidently in classroom conversations.\r\n\r\nThrough this novel study, students are strengthening essential fifth-grade reading skills. They are analyzing characters, identifying themes, comparing internal and external conflicts, determining the meaning of unfamiliar words, and supporting their ideas with evidence from the text. The novel has also helped students understand how setting and historical context influence a character's experiences and decisions.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry has opened the door to meaningful conversations about racism, inequality, resilience, land ownership, and the importance of family and community. Students are learning about life in Mississippi during the Great Depression while examining the courage required to stand up against injustice. These discussions encourage them to connect events from the novel to history, the world around them, and their own experiences.\r\n\r\nYour donation has helped ensure that every student can fully participate in this learning experience. Students no longer have to share a limited number of books or wait for a copy to become available. Each child can read along, revisit important sections, and take responsibility for their own learning. This access has increased engagement and helped students feel included, prepared, and excited about reading.\r\n\r\nI have already witnessed students becoming more thoughtful readers and confident speakers. They are listening to different perspectives, building upon one another's ideas, and using evidence to explain their thinking. Even students who are sometimes hesitant to participate have found connections to the characters and themes that inspire them to share.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity will continue long after we finish the final chapter. The lessons students are learning about bravery, empathy, perseverance, and justice will remain with them. These books will also become a lasting part of our classroom library, allowing future groups of students to experience this powerful story.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping us bring this important novel to life. Because of you, my students are not simply reading about courage in the cotton fields—they are learning to recognize courage within themselves and understand how their own voices can help create change. We are deeply grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1778551505672,"projectUrl":"project/courage-in-the-cotton-fields-help-us-he/10244699/","projectTitle":"Courage in the Cotton Fields: Help Us Hear the Cry","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PJ","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp843331_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y228&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759460984568","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspj825"},{"teacherId":843331,"projectId":10284708,"letterContent":"We have only just begun but our bright minds are already at work. Thank you for your generous donation!!! My students will benefit tremendously from the writing tools you helped provide, including journals, pencils, markers, and other essential classroom supplies. Because of your kindness, my students now have the materials they need to express their ideas, strengthen their writing skills, and confidently participate in daily learning activities.\r\n\r\nThese supplies may seem simple, but they have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Our new journals provide each student with a special place to record ideas, respond to reading, practice new vocabulary, complete bell ringers, and reflect on their learning. Students are excited to open their journals each day and see their thoughts and skills develop over time. Having dependable pencils and colorful markers also allows them to focus on learning without worrying about whether they have the necessary materials.\r\n\r\nYour donation has helped create a classroom environment where students feel prepared, supported, and ready to learn. When students have access to their own writing tools, they are more willing to take academic risks and share their thinking. They can draft stories, organize information, cite evidence from texts, revise their work, and add creative touches that make their learning personal and meaningful. The markers are especially helpful when students create graphic organizers, annotate texts, design projects, and work collaboratively with their classmates.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I have already noticed the excitement these materials bring to our classroom. Students take pride in their work because they have the tools needed to make it their best. They are becoming more organized, independent, and confident as writers. Instead of spending valuable instructional time searching for supplies or borrowing from others, students can begin their assignments immediately and remain engaged throughout the lesson.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has also helped ensure that every student has equitable access to high-quality materials, regardless of what they may or may not be able to bring from home. Each child deserves to enter the classroom feeling ready and capable. Because of your support, my students can concentrate on developing their voices, exploring their creativity, and growing into stronger readers, writers, and thinkers.\r\n\r\n\r\nWe are still at the beginning of our journey, but the impact of your donation is already visible in the enthusiasm, creativity, and confidence my students bring to their work. Throughout the school year, these supplies will support countless writing assignments, journal entries, reflections, reading responses, and classroom projects. They will become part of the daily experiences that help my students grow academically and personally.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and investing in their education. Your generosity reminds them that people outside of our classroom care about their success and believe in their potential. We are sincerely grateful for your support and cannot wait to show how much our bright minds will accomplish with the tools you helped place in their hands!","fullyFundedDate":1785196675387,"projectUrl":"project/the-write-tools-for-bright-minds/10284708/","projectTitle":"The \"Write\" Tools for Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PJ","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp843331_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y228&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759460984568","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspj825"},{"teacherId":10299675,"projectId":10513372,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our new Classroom Library Bench. Your support has transformed our reading corner into a warm, inviting space that my students are excited to visit every single day.\r\n\r\nBefore your gift arrived, students would read at their hard plastic desks or sit directly on the cold tile floor. Now, our library bench serves as the focal point of our classroom, a cozy \"reading nook\" where students can settle in with a good book. It has given our classroom a sense of comfort and home, making reading feel like a privilege and a joy rather than just a daily task.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate and remarkable:\r\n\r\nIncreased Reading Engagement: Students are actively eager to finish their assignments early just to earn time on the bench with a book of their choice.\r\n\r\nFostering Collaboration: The bench naturally accommodates two to three readers at a time, encouraging quiet paired reading, book discussions, and shared learning among peers.\r\n\r\nBuilding a Community of Readers: Having a designated, comfortable reading space has elevated the overall literacy culture in our room, helping build reading stamina and confidence, especially for reluctant readers.\r\n\r\nSeeing my students' eyes light up when the bench was assembled and placed in our library is a moment I won't forget. You didn't just donate a piece of furniture—you created a sanctuary where my students can explore new worlds, build critical literacy skills, and develop a lifelong love for reading.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of all my students and myself, thank you for investing in our classroom and believing in our young readers.","fullyFundedDate":1787664996336,"projectUrl":"project/take-a-seat-flexible-seating-for-focuse/10513372/","projectTitle":"Take a Seat: Flexible Seating for Focused Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Guilmette","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299675_orig.jpg?crop=2053,2053,x0,y212&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765209060584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10299675"},{"teacherId":10299675,"projectId":10244672,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity! Because of your support, our classroom has officially transformed into a more dynamic, comfortable, and engaging learning space with our new standing desk and library bench.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the New Resources\r\nMovement and flexible seating options make a massive difference in how students focus.\r\n\r\nThe Standing Desk: Our standing desk has quickly become a favorite station for students who thrive on movement. During a recent collaborative science inquiry project, two students who usually struggle to sit still for long stretches spent 45 uninterrupted minutes standing together, comparing data, and sketching out their hypotheses. Having the option to stand allowed them to channel their energy directly into their work rather than fighting the urge to squirm.\r\n\r\nThe Library Bench: Our new library bench created a cozy, inviting reading nook that instantly elevated our independent reading time. It has turned our class library into a true community hub where students gather to dive into books side-by-side.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just give us furniture, it gave my students agency, comfort, and a daily reminder that a whole community believes in their education. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1785196675166,"projectUrl":"project/sitting-standing-and-storing-a-flexib/10244672/","projectTitle":"Sitting, Standing, and Storing: A Flexible Classroom Upgrade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Guilmette","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299675_orig.jpg?crop=2053,2053,x0,y212&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765209060584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10299675"},{"teacherId":3856160,"projectId":10174982,"letterContent":"In a world where students constantly swipe, scroll, and skim, we often lose the deep focus required for critical thinking. Our new printer changed that dynamic by bringing their work into the physical world at the end of last school year.\r\n\r\nEditing a Google Doc on a screen is passive. When they have printed documents to edit and work with, they become active editors. The tactile experience of holding their own words forces them to slow down and read critically. They catch run-on sentences they missed on-screen and they notice spelling errors their spell-check ignored.\r\n\r\nFor subjects like ELA and history, we are printing primary-source documents and interdependent reading tasks. Students can now annotate directly on the paper, drawing arrows, circling data points, and writing questions in the margins. This physical interaction embeds the information more deeply into their memory than a quick glance at a monitor ever could. It levels the playing field for students who suffer from eye strain or digital fatigue, giving them a much-needed respite from the blue light of their screens.","fullyFundedDate":1774993692276,"projectUrl":"project/sixth-grade-needs-a-printer/10174982/","projectTitle":"Sixth Grade Needs A Printer!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Karim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3856160_orig.jpg?crop=623,623,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769568216355","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/karimdreamteam"},{"teacherId":9520032,"projectId":9965009,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Celebrating Lunar New Year: Bringing Chinese Traditions Into Our Classroom.\" Your generosity and kindness helped create a meaningful cultural learning experience for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our students had the opportunity to explore and celebrate Lunar New Year traditions through hands-on activities, stories, crafts, food, and cultural learning experiences. These moments not only brought joy and excitement into our classroom, but also helped students develop a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and traditions.\r\n\r\nYour contribution made our classroom more engaging, inclusive, and memorable. Thank you for believing in the importance of cultural education and for helping our students connect with the world in meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1769973735993,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-lunar-new-year-bringing-chi/9965009/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Lunar New Year: Bringing Chinese Traditions Into Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ma","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9520032_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762381314598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9520032"},{"teacherId":9014766,"projectId":9864051,"letterContent":"You have made an ENTIRE school of children incredibly excited and happy! Students planted seeds in class. They were able to choose what they wanted to grow from a variety of herbs and vegetables. The seeds have begun to sprout and the proud \"mamas and papas\" get so excited to see their \"babies\" and watch them grow. We have learned vocabulary for different vegetables in French and have already begun to look at traditional French dishes and the vegetables they made with. Soon students will be taking their baby plants oustide to transplant into the raised garden beds. I wish you could hear their excited chatter how they talk about their plants and their plans for the future. This is only the beginning of the project and the students have already learned so much and enjoyed their experiences as novice gardeners.\r\n\r\nThank you for bringing so much joy and purpose to our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1772807489754,"projectUrl":"project/growing-a-global-garden/9864051/","projectTitle":"Growing a Global Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korpalski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9014766_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y338&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689023047122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/madamekorpalski"},{"teacherId":432042,"projectId":10186380,"letterContent":"We are beyond touched by your generous donation to update our classroom library. The first couple of weeks of school are dedicated to learning about the books available in the library, strategies for choosing books, and strategies for sustaining independent reading. Many of our students are still building confidence when it comes to reading novels. Having books like the Magic Treehouse series allows a gentle entry point for these readers. Our previous books in this series were so well loved they are falling apart (and honestly, a few have snuck their way to students homes!). The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is a stepping up and then the mix of graphic novels and novels helps to round out our library. Since we have lost funding for our school library and librarian, our classroom has doubled down on prioritizing independent reading and dedicate time each day. \r\n\r\nSince my first year of teaching, I have worked to build a classroom library. There have been trips to Scholastic warehouses, garage sales, second hand bookstores, and working with our former school librarian to cultivate books. Occasionally we receive school funding, but as you probably know, books are expensive and the money only goes so far. \r\n\r\nThank you again! The new books will be added to the library over the summer and will be ready for the next wave of 4th graders!","fullyFundedDate":1775958690061,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-classroom-library-needs-an-ove/10186380/","projectTitle":"Help! Our Classroom Library Needs an Overhaul!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Finke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/432042"},{"teacherId":3856160,"projectId":10067672,"letterContent":"They say it takes a village to raise a child. Thanks to you, my classroom of awesome kids has a village to back them up. \r\n\r\nBefore I assigned Matilda, I had students who thought reading was something you did only if the internet went out. But now I have a VERY INVESTED class of students who needs to know how Matilda will pull one over on her parents, evil principal, and fight the injustices of the world. Each chapter is like a mini-episode, and the kids are loving it.\r\n\r\nWe also were able to do a really cool diorama! These kids are SO creative.\r\n\r\nWithout donors like you, I'd just be a teacher with a dream. Now I'm a teacher with a dream and a class full of children who believe they can move mountains!","fullyFundedDate":1771121312092,"projectUrl":"project/class-set-of-matilda-for-imaginative-6th/10067672/","projectTitle":"Class Set of Matilda for Imaginative 6th Grade Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Karim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3856160_orig.jpg?crop=623,623,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769568216355","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/karimdreamteam"},{"teacherId":9014766,"projectId":9400791,"letterContent":"Growing up can be hard. There are so many feelings and they can be overwhelming. Our Girls Mind and Wellness group has an outlet to process these feelings along with other events happening in their lives. We talk. We exercise. We write in our beautiful journals designed specifically for young women. As a bonus the girls have also enjoyed the inspirational and motivational stickers that we have received. They use them to decorate their notebooks, their water bottles, and lockers to keep the positive messages visible and alive. \r\n\r\nThanks for helping us raise physcically and emotionally healthy girls.","fullyFundedDate":1758636743258,"projectUrl":"project/we-are-strong-and-thankful/9400791/","projectTitle":"We Are Strong and Thankful.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korpalski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9014766_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y338&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689023047122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/madamekorpalski"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5271","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":477,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":88,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.8,"schoolId":5271,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Murray Language Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Murray Language Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/murray-language-academy/5271"}