{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"National Teachers Academy","outOfStateSupporters":30.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2992890,"projectId":10185837,"letterContent":"My students were pumped to get these classroom materials. When they saw the stools, they said \"oooooh, they are awesome!\" \"The colors are the best!\" \"You got more finally?\" \"Yay! New stools!\" They came to test them out right away and they have all picked their favorite ones. These stools are integral to our flexible seating in our classroom and also are helpful when students come to work at the teacher table for small groups and one-on-one support. \r\n\r\nThey love the carpet, especially the color. Most of the students have blue as their favorite color, so they love it. We use the carpet every day when students sit on the carpet to read, relax, and trade books. \r\n\r\nThe other materials are so useful! We have used the clock when we learned to tell time. The stickers have already joined our sticker store. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1776452386204,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-environment-refresh/10185837/","projectTitle":"Classroom Environment Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silverglat","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silverglat"},{"teacherId":2350493,"projectId":9778565,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation to our classroom. The items you provided—from the stunning 4-foot LED bubble tube to the 16-color jellyfish lamps—have completely transformed our space into an immersive underwater learning sanctuary.\r\n\r\nThe students are already captivated by the \"aquarium\" atmosphere, which has provided a much-needed sense of calm and wonder. The LEGO minifigures and the giant humpback whale plush have already become favorites for imaginative play and storytelling. Your support isn't just giving us \"things\"; it's giving my students a peaceful environment where they feel inspired to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1767881225141,"projectUrl":"project/the-chill-reef-classroom/9778565/","projectTitle":"The Chill Reef Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lahti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2350493_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449169253479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lahti"},{"teacherId":2992890,"projectId":10082702,"letterContent":"These materials have been critical for our study of Black joy through the lens of music. When the books arrived, I looked at each one. I picked several that I was going to use a read alouds for the entire class. The others, I put in a bin for students to borrow when we have independent reading time. \r\n\r\nThe students have loved the books. They especially liked the one about Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Prince. We learned a lot from the book \"When the Beat Was Born\" and students had a lot of follow up questions. \r\n\r\nOur next step is the use these books to help with our individual research projects. We will then donate the books to our library so all students can enjoy them!","fullyFundedDate":1770579959275,"projectUrl":"project/black-joy-black-music/10082702/","projectTitle":"Black Joy, Black Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silverglat","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silverglat"},{"teacherId":999639,"projectId":9693900,"letterContent":"Access to new, engaging books has a powerful and lasting impact on my classroom community. Many of my students do not have books of their own at home, so bringing fresh, high-interest titles into our classroom library opens the door to consistent reading experiences they might not otherwise have. These books will not only support academic growth, but also help students develop a genuine love of reading.\r\n\r\nWith new books, students are more motivated to read independently and participate in discussions. They are excited to explore topics that reflect their interests, cultures, and experiences, which helps them feel seen and valued. This increased engagement leads to stronger comprehension skills, improved vocabulary, and greater confidence as readers.\r\n\r\n\r\nYour support in providing these resources directly impacts not just what my students read, but how they see themselves as learners. These books will be used daily, treasured by students, and will continue to make a difference long after they arrive in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764454470229,"projectUrl":"project/love-to-read/9693900/","projectTitle":"Love to Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Albritton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp999639_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483673088648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-schneidersclass"},{"teacherId":999639,"projectId":9693888,"letterContent":"Middle school is a critical transition year. Students enter 6th grade with a wide range of abilities, confidence levels, and learning gaps. Having access to high-quality, differentiated small group resources has allowed me to meet students exactly where they are and move them forward with intention.\r\n\r\nThese materials have strengthened instruction in several important ways:\r\n\r\nFirst, they have allowed for meaningful differentiation. Instead of teaching one whole-group lesson and hoping it reaches everyone, I am able to pull targeted small groups focused on specific skills. Some students receive scaffolded support to build foundational understanding, while others engage in enrichment tasks that push their thinking further. This ensures that every child is appropriately challenged.\r\n\r\nSecond, these resources have increased student engagement. The materials are interactive, visually accessible, and thoughtfully designed. Students are more willing to participate in small groups when tasks feel purposeful and manageable. This has led to stronger discussions, deeper thinking, and greater accountability.\r\n\r\nThird, the built-in assessments and practice activities provide immediate feedback. I can quickly identify misconceptions, adjust instruction, and monitor growth. Small group time is no longer reactive—it is strategic and data-driven.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, having access to ready-to-use, classroom-tested materials has allowed me to spend more time analyzing student work, providing feedback, and building relationships instead of recreating resources from scratch. That time directly benefits students.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, I have seen an increase in student confidence. Learners who previously hesitated to participate are now more comfortable asking questions and taking academic risks within the small group setting. The structure and clarity of the materials create a safe space for growth.","fullyFundedDate":1762267505255,"projectUrl":"project/small-groups-galore/9693888/","projectTitle":"Small Groups Galore","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Albritton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp999639_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483673088648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-schneidersclass"},{"teacherId":231225,"projectId":9931802,"letterContent":"Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Because of your support, I have been able to bring mindfulness skills and yoga practice to different groups of students over the past few weeks.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince receiving the yoga mats, the students have been able to use yoga to help regulate themselves when they are experiencing big emotions. In addition to self-regulation, I have been able to use the mats to support yoga practice for small groups to teach coping skills. Currently, I run a grief and loss group for students in grades 3–5. These students have experienced loss through separation, divorce, death, incarceration and more. Infusing movement into our discussions and activities has proven to give the students more focus and regulation to discuss their thoughts and feelings.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the mats, they were excited and ready to showcase the yoga skills they already knew. I am looking forward to conducting yoga classes with full groups and infusing the practice into SEL workshops for students and staff.","fullyFundedDate":1766095022227,"projectUrl":"project/peace-begins-on-the-mat-empowering-stud/9931802/","projectTitle":"Peace Begins on the Mat: Empowering Students Through SEL","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/231225"},{"teacherId":8330426,"projectId":8634337,"letterContent":"All of the parts of this project have been so helpful to my classroom. I always appreciate the willingness of the donors in this community to contribute to projects like this. It's so important not only for students to have ample texts to read, but also to have space to do so. I have learned more and more that having a comfortable and safe classroom are more than essential for student success. Students have used these chairs, for instance over and over again, and the plants that I purchased as part of this project make for a much more comfortable classroom. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1723676045398,"projectUrl":"project/constructing-a-comfy-classroom/8634337/","projectTitle":"Constructing a Comfy Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8330426_orig.png?crop=718,718,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662930072594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-golwitzer"},{"teacherId":2350493,"projectId":9841856,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of slime supplies for our classroom. Because of your support, our students were able to make slime together, and they had an absolute blast doing it. The excitement, laughter, and engagement during this activity made it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.\r\n\r\nAs students created their slime, they practiced following directions, taking turns, problem-solving, and working collaboratively with peers. The hands-on, sensory nature of the activity also supported focus and self-regulation, giving students a fun and productive outlet while reinforcing important skills in a low-pressure environment.","fullyFundedDate":1764598872716,"projectUrl":"project/slimy-science-super-scholars/9841856/","projectTitle":"Slimy Science & Super Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lahti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2350493_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449169253479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lahti"},{"teacherId":2350493,"projectId":9778595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of board games for our Skill Builders class. Because of your support, our students now have access to engaging games like Battleship, Guess Who, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, Candy Land, Twister, and more. These games have quickly become an important part of our classroom routine and are already making a positive impact on our students.\r\n\r\nThrough play, students are practicing essential social skills such as turn-taking, communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and handling both winning and losing in healthy ways. The games provide structured opportunities for students to build patience, follow rules, manage emotions, and interact positively with peers in a fun and low-pressure environment. For many of our students, this kind of learning is especially powerful.","fullyFundedDate":1760705198801,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play-board-games-for-s/9778595/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play: Board Games for Skill Builders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lahti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2350493_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449169253479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lahti"},{"teacherId":999639,"projectId":9694071,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has transformed into a space where students not only learn, but also grow emotionally and feel truly safe. The new resources for our Growth Mindset lessons and our newly updated Calm Corner have made a bigger impact than I could have imagined — and I wanted to share a little glimpse into what that looks like.\r\n\r\nOne of our first projects using the new materials was a \"My Brain is a Muscle\" activity where students explored how challenges help them grow. We used read-alouds, visual tools, and new prompts that helped them reflect on how they handle frustration or failure. One student proudly shared, \"I used to think I was bad at math, but now I know I'm just learning and that's okay.\" That small shift in thinking? Huge.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the Calm Corner fully stocked and cozy, their faces lit up. It wasn't just a new bean bag or sensory tools — it was a message that said: \"You're allowed to feel your feelings, and here's a safe place to reset.\" One student told me, \"It's like a little peaceful island when my day feels stormy.\"\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on a \"Feelings & Fix-It Plans\" project where students identify emotions and choose strategies that work for them — using the very tools and visuals your support provided. Watching them take ownership of their emotions and communicate their needs has been incredible.\r\n\r\nYour donation wasn't just about materials — it helped create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, calm themselves when overwhelmed, and believe in their ability to grow. That kind of impact lasts far beyond the school year.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart (and from some very grateful young learners): thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1760828539981,"projectUrl":"project/safe-and-comfortable-classroom/9694071/","projectTitle":"Safe and Comfortable Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Albritton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp999639_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483673088648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-schneidersclass"},{"teacherId":5267863,"projectId":9519809,"letterContent":"I want to thank you for your contribution to funding my Donors Choose project. The use of a color printer is invaluable when working with improving children speech and language skills. Everything is better in color and the kids definitely believe that. \r\n\r\n I have been able to print out holiday bingo activities to build my students vocabulary articulation, and language skills. They loved playing these games. This one activity has allowed my students to learn, laugh, and follow directions. These are all wonderful things we want when learning new ideas and concepts. \r\n\r\nI'm excited to continue to use the materials that were donated and hope for continual learning with my amazing students.","fullyFundedDate":1763493206551,"projectUrl":"project/improving-speech-and-language-skills-wit/9519809/","projectTitle":"Improving Speech and Language Skills with Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mora","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5267863_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522298195724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5267863"},{"teacherId":8330426,"projectId":8377690,"letterContent":"Thank you again so much for contributing to this project. Bins might not seem like such a big deal, but when your classroom is overflowing the books, the bins become absolutely necessary for organizational purposes. We have bins for all kinds of books - realistic fiction, fantasy, poetry, novels-in-verse, biography, and informational texts of all kinds, including on scientific and historical topics. The students help me keep the library organized, as I have several librarians-in-waiting amongst our students. So, again, thank you for your help in keeping this project alive.","fullyFundedDate":1715187579174,"projectUrl":"project/bins-bins-and-more-bins/8377690/","projectTitle":"Bins, Bins, and More Bins!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8330426_orig.png?crop=718,718,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662930072594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-golwitzer"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5593","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":765,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":72,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.3,"schoolId":5593,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about National Teachers Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"National Teachers Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/national-teachers-academy/5593"}