{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Murray Language Academy","outOfStateSupporters":41.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4729241,"projectId":9507629,"letterContent":"Thank you! We are forever grateful for the generosity you have shown our class with the purchase of headphones. Your support has enhanced our learning environment and my students' experience in ways that truly matter. The headphones have been instrumental in supporting student learning and independence in our 6th grade classroom. \r\n\r\nWhen the headphones arrived, I was very excited and anxious to surprise the class. I knew they would be happy to see the pretty colors and large ear pieces after enduring our current headphones which are small, fragile and unreliable. The new softly padded ear pieces offer a wide circumference to surround their ears and minimize noise and distraction, helping to create a quiet and structured environment where students can concentrate fully and comfortably. The quality of the headphones far exceeds our old devices and has upgraded our class and students' confidence in their learning. \"Now we're learning in style\" as one of my students nicely stated.\r\n\r\nThese headphones have quickly become an essential tool in our daily learning routine. One way we regularly use them is during our differentiated intervention hour when students are working on personalized learning plans consisting of math activities on digital platforms such as IXL, IReady and Khan Academy. Students are able to listen to instructions and tutorial videos aimed to expose them to skills identified as focus areas that, if strengthened, will help bring them to or above grade level in math. This has been especially beneficial for students who need additional time or audio support, helping them build confidence and independence in their learning. Another important way we have used the headphones is during small-group instruction and assessments. Students can focus fully on tasks or listen to audio passages in a quiet, supportive manner, which is allowing each student to demonstrate their understanding more accurately.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic benefits, your donation has helped foster a classroom atmosphere where students feel supported, motivated, and excited to come to school. The headphones have allowed me to better meet the diverse needs of my learners and create meaningful learning experiences that promote both academic growth and social development.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in me and my students, and for believing in the importance of classroom resources that support focus and joyful learning. Your generosity is making a difference each and every day, and it will continue to positively impact my students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758202688148,"projectUrl":"project/proper-headphones-for-our-listening-cent/9507629/","projectTitle":"Proper Headphones for Our Listening Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4729241_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1503940121729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4729241"},{"teacherId":4729241,"projectId":9491882,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for generously funding games for our classroom. Your thoughtful contribution has had a meaningful and positive impact on my students, our classroom culture, and student engagement.\r\n\r\nInstead of relying on screens for entertainment, my students now have the opportunity to engage in hands-on, interactive play with the games Life, Perfection, and Scrabble. These games are offering a fun and engaging outlet for my students to relax, connect, and recharge during the school day, especially during indoor recess when inclement weather prevents us from going outside. It's exciting to see my students laughing and playing together...organically. \r\n\r\nReducing screen time has been especially beneficial for my students. By incorporating board games this year, my goal was to develop and strengthen important social and cognitive skills in my students such as communication, problem-solving, patience, and teamwork. I have observed students practicing turn-taking, resolving conflicts respectfully, and thinking strategically—all while having fun. They are excited when they \"go to college\", \"collect rent\" or \"get married\" in the game of LIFE. I'm enjoying seeing them productively struggle to create words from given letters in SCRABBLE, and focus under pressure during the game of PERFECTION. These games are encouraging my students to think and imagine. Additionally, they're creating opportunities for my students to interact with different students who exist outside of their inner friend group thereby strengthening and developing new peer relationships. \r\n\r\nThe games have created a positive classroom culture where students feel included, supported, and excited to participate, and I am forever grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758202627820,"projectUrl":"project/yes-it-is-all-fun-and-games/9491882/","projectTitle":"Yes It Is All Fun and Games!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4729241_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1503940121729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4729241"},{"teacherId":9520032,"projectId":8697287,"letterContent":"I can't express how thankful I am for your generous support in helping us build our classroom reading corner! When my students first saw the cozy chairs, colorful bookshelf, and baskets of books, they were absolutely thrilled. Many of them immediately rushed over to pick out a book and settle in — one student said, \"It feels like a little library inside our classroom!\" The excitement on their faces said it all.\r\n\r\nThis new reading space has quickly become one of the most loved areas in our classroom. My students use it every day during independent reading time and small group lessons. It's amazing to see them so relaxed, focused, and eager to read. The comfortable environment encourages even my reluctant readers to spend more time with books, and I've already noticed more thoughtful discussions about stories during our Mandarin and English reading sessions.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my students will continue to use this corner for our reading challenges, book-sharing activities, and story-writing projects. Thank you again for making this possible — your kindness has truly turned our classroom into a more inviting and inspiring place to learn. You've helped spark a deeper love for reading in my students, and that's a gift that will keep growing!","fullyFundedDate":1734646217542,"projectUrl":"project/build-a-reading-corner/8697287/","projectTitle":"Build a Reading Corner","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":9520032,"projectId":8350909,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for supporting our project, Enhancing Learning with Flexible Seating and Surf Portable Lap Desks. When my students first saw the new lap desks and flexible seating, their excitement filled the room! They immediately started exploring different spots to work — some sat on the rug, others by the window, and a few teamed up in small groups. It was so fun to see them so eager to learn in their own comfortable ways.\r\n\r\nThese new resources have made such a positive difference in our daily routines. My students love using the Surf Lap Desks during independent reading, writing, and small group activities. They tell me they feel more focused and enjoy having the freedom to move and choose their workspace. I've also noticed more participation, especially from students who used to have a hard time sitting at traditional desks for long stretches.\r\n\r\nWe're already using the lap desks for our Mandarin projects, writing activities, and group discussions, and I can see how much more engaged the students are. Thank you so much for making this possible — your generosity has truly brought more joy, energy, and creativity into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1715165349657,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-with-flexible-seating/8350909/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning with Flexible Seating and Surf Portable Lap Desks","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":9083980,"letterContent":"The purpose of this project was to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of my students. This purpose began to be fulfilled before I was even able to create my after-school club. When the materials arrived at my school, I took them out of the boxes, but wasn't able to put the storage unit together before my first class came in. When the students came in, they asked what everything was and got excited about the club. They began to work together to put the storage rack together. It was so nice to see them working collaboratively and problem solving together. It was an unplanned team-building exercise that occurred thanks to this project.\r\n\r\nMy students really appreciated the activities in the club. They loved checking in on each other, discussing their feelings and how they were doing each day. I also purchased supplemental materials like a positive affirmations book that the girls can use as mantras and reminders of their worth and strengths. I also purchased journals for the girls to write down their thoughts. Sometimes we have a guided prompt, other times they are free to write what they like. \r\n\r\nThe girls find the exercise helpful in calming their minds and enjoy the comraderie of the club. Thank you so much for helping me to create this safe and nurturing space for girls to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1741099902639,"projectUrl":"project/stretching-our-minds-and-bodies/9083980/","projectTitle":"Stretching Our Minds and Bodies","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":9014766,"projectId":8952767,"letterContent":"Youpi! or as you may say \"Yippee!\" My French students are so happy when they get the chance to choose an item from the prize bin. They are super psyched to see the new options they can pick from. The Eiffel Tower key chains and the macaron and croissant erasers have been particularly popular choices. When a students gets to pick a prize, everyone comes over to see what's in the bin. Their faces light up and they are really motivated to do well in the future so that they can get a prize as well. Thank you for your contribution. It really helps to motivate students to try their best in class and makes learning French more fun.","fullyFundedDate":1737812611897,"projectUrl":"project/youpi-for-french/8952767/","projectTitle":"Youpi for French!","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":9014766,"projectId":8868171,"letterContent":"I hope you can see by the attached photos how much joy your donation has brought to my students and our entire school community. Students learned about the history of Mardi Gras and Carnevale and the associated traditions. We looked at festivities in New Orleans, Nice (France), and Québec City (Canada) among other places. Students had a really great time making their masks. It was a creative project they sorely needed, as our art program was discontinued last year. During our World Language Fair, families marched down our school hallways in our very own Mardi Gras parade which was led by our king and queen who donned crowns courtesy of you! Beaded necklaces were passed out to all attendees. Everyone had an enjoyable and educational time because of your contributions. I know they will remember this event and will look forward to it again next year. \r\n\r\nLearning opportunities like this is what sets our school apart from others and why families choose to send their children to us. Learning about language and culture builds empathy and allows children to see the world from another perspective. Thank you for helping us create the global citizens of tomorrow.","fullyFundedDate":1729984365589,"projectUrl":"project/marching-into-mardi-gras/8868171/","projectTitle":"Marching into Mardi Gras","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":458,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":88,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.5,"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"}