{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Nixon Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9224275,"projectId":9879083,"letterContent":"When my students first received the new literacy materials, they were excited and eager to explore them. Many of them immediately wanted to try the word tools during our small group reading time. Seeing the materials made reading feel more hands-on and engaging, especially for students who sometimes feel unsure about their reading skills.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the word tools during our literacy block to practice decoding, building words, and identifying sounds in words. During one small group lesson, students used the materials to build simple words and break them apart into individual sounds. This helped them better understand how letters and sounds work together to form words, and students were excited when they were able to read the words they created.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping my students grow more confident as young readers. Moving forward, we will continue using the word tools during guided reading and phonics activities to strengthen decoding and word-building skills. My goal is for students to apply these skills as they read new books and continue building strong literacy foundations. Thank you for supporting our young readers and helping make learning more engaging and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1772655953239,"projectUrl":"project/building-literacy-word-tools-for-young/9879083/","projectTitle":"Building Literacy: Word Tools for Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9224275_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705597731936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9224275"},{"teacherId":9224275,"projectId":9879006,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the Calm Corner materials, they were immediately curious and excited. They loved exploring the sensory tools, comfortable seating, and calming visuals. We took time together to learn how to use each item appropriately and talked about how the space is meant to help us calm our bodies and minds when we feel overwhelmed or frustrated.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the Calm Corner, students have started using the space during moments when they need to reset. For example, during a recent lesson, one student became frustrated with a challenging task and chose to take a short break in the Calm Corner. After using the breathing visuals and a sensory tool, the student was able to return to the activity feeling calmer and ready to try again. Moments like this help students understand that taking a short pause can help them succeed.\r\n\r\nAs we continue using these resources, my students are learning important self-regulation skills such as identifying their feelings, using calming strategies, and returning to learning with confidence. These tools are helping us build a classroom environment where students feel supported, safe, and ready to grow both academically and emotionally. Thank you for making this possible for our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1772655953264,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-toys-for-a-calm-and-ready-to-lea/9879006/","projectTitle":"Sensory Toys for a Calm and Ready-to-Learn Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9224275_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705597731936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9224275"},{"teacherId":9224275,"projectId":9878861,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has a Calm Corner for Big Feelings and Better Learning, and it is already making a positive impact on my students.\r\nMany of my students are still learning how to manage big emotions such as frustration or anxiety. The Calm Corner gives them a safe and supportive space to pause, use calming tools, and practice strategies like breathing, sensory regulation, and identifying their feelings.\r\nBecause of your support, students are beginning to recognize when they need a break and are using the space to reset so they can return to learning more focused and ready to participate. This has helped create a calmer classroom environment and has allowed students to feel supported both emotionally and academically.\r\nYour generosity has helped my students learn that their feelings matter and that there are healthy ways to manage them. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1772655953469,"projectUrl":"project/a-calm-corner-for-big-feelings-and-bette/9878861/","projectTitle":"A Calm Corner for Big Feelings and Better Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9224275_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705597731936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9224275"},{"teacherId":1625650,"projectId":9860765,"letterContent":"We are overflowing with gratitude for your generous donation of building toys, ramps, loose parts, and the drill! These materials have immediately become the most popular center in our room. The children are absolutely in love with them, using the ramps to test speed and gravity, and using the drill to feel like 'real' construction workers. It has been amazing to watch their creativity explode as they use the loose parts to invent unique structures and solve problems together. Thank you for giving them the tools to build, play, and imagine in such a meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1767074737535,"projectUrl":"project/imaginative-open-ended-play-is-the-way/9860765/","projectTitle":"Imaginative, Open-Ended Play is the Way We Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huezo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1625650"},{"teacherId":1625650,"projectId":9860546,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation of David Shannon books! To say the students love them is an understatement—they are read every single day. The kids connect deeply with the characters and can't stop laughing at the illustrations. These books have transformed our reading time, turning reluctant readers into eager ones. Thank you for filling our classroom with joy and helping these young learners fall in love with reading. Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of every student.","fullyFundedDate":1767830965226,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-to-read-books-by-david-shannon/9860546/","projectTitle":"We Love to Read Books by David Shannon!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huezo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1625650"},{"teacherId":1625650,"projectId":9666149,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation of magnetic letters for every student. These hands-on tools have been a gamechanger in bridging the gap between school and home. Families are now using them daily to reinforce letter recognition and sounds, turning their refrigerators into active learning spaces. Your contribution has empowered parents to be partners in their children's education, and the students are so excited to show off what they are learning. Thank you for helping build a strong foundation for our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1767065961136,"projectUrl":"project/learning-the-alphabet-with-magnetic-lett/9666149/","projectTitle":"Learning the Alphabet With Magnetic Letters at Home!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huezo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1625650"},{"teacherId":1933531,"projectId":9610252,"letterContent":"My students use these resources that were donated when they choose to visit our calm corner in our Prek classroom. Recently a student accidentally hurt himself and it brought up many feelings in the classroom. I used some materials that were donated to revisit what happen and we discussed our feelings. It was a great teachable moment. \r\n\r\nMy students have really enjoyed all the material. I have some students that just visit the calm corner because they simply just enjoy the materials and I have had other students use the materials because they need some space/time for themselves. We are very thankful.","fullyFundedDate":1761966218283,"projectUrl":"project/calm-corner/9610252/","projectTitle":"Calm Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dominguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1933531"},{"teacherId":1968883,"projectId":9520204,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, learning in our kindergarten classroom truly comes alive through play. The hands-on center materials you provided are now used daily during play-based learning rotations for reading, math, and collaborative activities. Students use the resources to build numbers, practice blending sounds and syllables, and work together to solve problems. When students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate—they were eager to explore, ask questions, and begin learning. These tools have been especially powerful for our dual-language learners, giving them visual and tactile support that builds confidence and engagement.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom where students feel empowered to learn through exploration and teamwork. As we move forward, students will continue using these materials to deepen literacy skills, strengthen number sense, and participate in hands-on STEM-style challenges. These resources will grow with our learners throughout the year, supporting developmentally appropriate, joyful learning and laying a strong foundation for future success. Thank you for making learning through play possible for our kindergarten students.","fullyFundedDate":1758935572060,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play-hands-on-centers/9520204/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play: Hands on Centers for Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Momohara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1968883"},{"teacherId":8325282,"projectId":9702809,"letterContent":"Thank You for Empowering Our Young Scientists!\r\n\r\n\r\nOn behalf of the fifth and sixth grade dual language classes at Nixon Elementary School in Chicago, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of six digital microscopes. Your support has transformed our science classroom in ways we could only dream of.\r\n\r\nBefore your gift, our students shared just two aging manual microscopes, often waiting their turn to explore the microscopic world. Thanks to your donation, each small team now has access to its own digital microscope equipped with powerful magnification and dual lighting from above and below. The included slide kits have opened up a whole new realm of discovery, allowing students to examine everything from leaf cells to fabric fibers to their own hair with clarity and excitement.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate and inspiring. Students who once hesitated to engage in science, especially many of our girls, are now leaning in with curiosity and confidence. The hands-on experience has ignited a passion for exploration and inquiry that we know will carry far beyond our classroom walls.\r\n\r\nFor our low-income students, access to this kind of high-quality equipment is rare. Your support has not only leveled the playing field but also planted seeds of possibility in young minds who might not otherwise see themselves as scientists.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to teach students how to prepare their own slides, deepening their understanding of scientific methods and observation. This donation is more than a gift, it's an investment in the future of our students, one that will benefit many classes for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758934832641,"projectUrl":"project/microscopes-for-scientists-exploring-the/9702809/","projectTitle":"Microscopes for Scientists Exploring the Microscopic World","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Guadarrama","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8325282_orig.jpg?crop=1868,1868,x1236,y295&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757473999962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8325282"},{"teacherId":1933531,"projectId":9112592,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for the donations to our exercise study. We are currently using the treadmill, trampoline and weight set on a daily basis. The student love visiting the exercise center because of these new equipment we now have. When they saw me putting together the treadmill and trampoline, they could not wait to use them! They kept asking me if I was done. They even offered to help so I could speed up the process.\r\n\r\nWe plan to use the other materials such as the anatomy puzzles, garden salad kit, animal x rays and the human organ plushies when we start our exercise study in January/February. I am so eager to use these resources and I know they will grasp what I teach because of these hands on items.","fullyFundedDate":1749004986682,"projectUrl":"project/exercise-and-our-body/9112592/","projectTitle":"Exercise and Our Body!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dominguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1933531"},{"teacherId":1625650,"projectId":9664085,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our Mother's Day projects possible! Because of your support, my students were able to create beautiful, heartfelt gifts to show love and appreciation for their mothers and special caregivers. The joy and pride on their faces as they worked carefully on each project was truly priceless. These materials helped my student's express gratitude, creativity, and thoughtfulness in a meaningful way. Your kindness made this celebration extra special for our classroom families, and we are so thankful for your generosity and support!","fullyFundedDate":1756997166267,"projectUrl":"project/mothers-day-projects/9664085/","projectTitle":"Mother's Day Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huezo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1625650"},{"teacherId":1625650,"projectId":9147710,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! Because of your support, my students now have wonderful new art and dramatic play materials that spark creativity, imagination, and self-expression every day. They love pretending, painting, building, and bringing their ideas to life through play and art. These materials have helped students work together, share ideas, and build confidence as they explore their interests in fun and meaningful ways. Your kindness has truly brightened our classroom and given my students opportunities to learn, create, and dream big. We are so grateful for your generosity and belief in the power of creative learning!","fullyFundedDate":1744060197749,"projectUrl":"project/art-expression-and-dramatic-play-oh-my/9147710/","projectTitle":"Art, Expression, and Dramatic Play Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huezo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1625650"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5727","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":640,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":95,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"16.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.4,"schoolId":5727,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Nixon Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Nixon Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/nixon-elementary-school/5727"}