{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"O'Keeffe School of Excellence","outOfStateSupporters":42.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9988395,"projectId":9219838,"letterContent":"The results from your donations were immediate. Previously when we would engage in small group time, students who were working on the iReady platform would face difficulties in trying to hear their own lesson over the other background noises occurring, such as the students working with me at the teacher table. I am thrilled to say that this is no longer an issue! Students are now able to hear their personalized lessons without any distractions, and we are already seeing the positive impact of that: not only are so many students are achieving high scores on their lessons, but they are also actually excited to do their computer work!\r\n\r\nIn addition to improving the academic and general atmosphere of the classroom, the headphones have also given us a great opportunity to practice responsibility. We introduced the new classroom job of headphone manager, and this student is in charge of ensuring that everyone neatly wrapped up their headphones and carefully stored them in their bin at the end of the day. The students love taking care of their headphones and bringing them safely back to their \"home\" (their bin) at the end of the day. \r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your donation. Our classroom is thriving now that we have such an integral material. We cannot thank you enough for your help!","fullyFundedDate":1745627362486,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-to-boost-reading-abilities/9219838/","projectTitle":"Headphones to Boost Reading Abilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9988395_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743442513198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9988395"},{"teacherId":9563494,"projectId":9265520,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Color Run fundraiser! Because of your generosity, our school came together in a joyful explosion of color, laughter, and school spirit—and it was all for a meaningful cause. Your support made it possible for our students to participate in a fun, memorable event that also raised funds for programs that truly matter to our school community.\r\nThe Color Run was a huge success and a day our students will be talking about for a long time. As they raced through clouds of bright pink, yellow, green, blue, and red, their faces lit up with joy. The excitement was contagious—cheers rang out, high-fives were exchanged, and everyone from students to staff to families came together in the spirit of celebration and support. For many of our students, this was more than just a fun event—it was a moment where they felt fully seen, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.\r\nThanks to the incredible participation and generous donations, we're thrilled to be moving forward with one of our favorite annual traditions: \"Book It to Breakfast.\" This special event brings together our Kindergarten through 2nd grade students and their families for a warm, welcoming morning of breakfast and books. Families sit side by side with their children to share stories, talk about reading, and receive brand-new books to take home and keep. The impact of this event goes far beyond one morning—it helps build a strong foundation for literacy, encourages a love of reading, and strengthens the connection between home and school.\r\nFor many of our students, especially those who may not have easy access to books at home, this experience is incredibly meaningful. It helps them build their own libraries, see themselves as readers, and experience the joy of exploring stories with the people they love. Because of your support, we're able to continue this important tradition and provide a welcoming, enriching environment where every child feels valued and supported.\r\nOn behalf of our students, families, and staff, thank you for being part of this journey. Your generosity has created lasting memories, meaningful connections, and real opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and thrive. We are so grateful for your support and look forward to sharing more stories of success and joy throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1746786510837,"projectUrl":"project/elementary-color-run/9265520/","projectTitle":"Elementary Color Run","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCormick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9563494_orig.png?crop=756,756,x38,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717642540307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563494"},{"teacherId":42495,"projectId":9094946,"letterContent":"E\r\nI want to express my sincere gratitude for your incredibly generous donation of an iPad. This device will make a huge difference in my delivery of Social-Emotional support I provide to all students, as well as English language learners (ELL). \r\n\r\nThis iPad will be used to deliver online social-emotional curriculum to students and also server as a translator to help communicate with EL learners. We are excited to explore the possibilities it offers. \r\n\r\nYour support is making a tangible difference in our student's lives. It's not just about technology. it's about equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. We are truly grateful for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1746208109845,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-on-the-go/9094946/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning On the Go","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Proffit","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp42495_orig.png?crop=199,199,x2,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738597183419","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/42495"},{"teacherId":3077803,"projectId":7980714,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations and help towards our classroom! The students are greatly appreciative and so am I. It is because of donors like you that schools like ours can get very much needed supplies in times such as these. It is very important that you know that each of the items donated were/are put to great use inside of the classroom and extremely needed. Again, thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom project and your support means the world. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in their education and future.","fullyFundedDate":1701220954576,"projectUrl":"project/differentiated-technology/7980714/","projectTitle":"Differentiated Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donati","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/donati"},{"teacherId":3077803,"projectId":9096072,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations and help towards our classroom! The students are greatly appreciative and so am I. It is because of donors like you that schools like ours can get very much needed supplies in times such as these. It is very important that you know that each of the items donated were/are put to great use inside of the classroom and extremely needed. Again, thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom project and your support means the world. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in their education and future.","fullyFundedDate":1739486770295,"projectUrl":"project/safe-and-sanitized/9096072/","projectTitle":"Safe and Sanitized!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donati","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/donati"},{"teacherId":8436497,"projectId":8914606,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for this amazing donation to my class! The Q ball has made a huge difference in student engagement in the classroom. Thanks to the Q ball and the speaker, I am able to integrate technology in the classroom. My students love to use the Q ball for SEL, lessons and games. These types of donations make my classroom a fun place to be! I have also been able to introduce the Q ball to other teachers in my building, and they are also obsessed with the joy and energy it brings to the students! Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1740701578545,"projectUrl":"project/fun-discussions-in-first-grade/8914606/","projectTitle":"Fun Discussions in First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jeon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8436497_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672689572041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8436497"},{"teacherId":9563494,"projectId":8926082,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on my students during this holiday season! Thanks to your support, we have been able to embark on a hands-on art project that has sparked creativity, self-expression, and holiday cheer. The sculpting tools, high-quality clay, and glazing supplies you helped provide have allowed my students to design and craft their very own personalized Christmas ornaments. This project has been a wonderful opportunity for them to learn essential sculpting techniques while connecting with the spirit of the season.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was palpable. They immediately dove into the project, eager to shape their clay and experiment with different designs. It was incredible to see their faces light up as they personalized each ornament, adding their own creative flair. Watching them work through the sculpting process—tracing designs, shaping figures, and adding intricate details—has been a joy. Not only are they gaining artistic skills, but they are also building a sense of pride and accomplishment as they create ornaments to share with their families and loved ones.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, my students will continue to perfect their ornaments, and we will wrap up the project by glazing and firing them to bring their creations to life. As they put the finishing touches on their pieces, they will reflect on the skills they've learned and the personal expression they've embedded into each ornament. This project has given them a special way to celebrate the holiday season while developing their artistic talents. Thank you again for making this creative journey possible for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1738799274918,"projectUrl":"project/clay-for-christmas/8926082/","projectTitle":"Clay for Christmas","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCormick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9563494_orig.png?crop=756,756,x38,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717642540307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563494"},{"teacherId":9563494,"projectId":9200264,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project possible! Thanks to your generous contribution, my 7th-grade students have been able to take their art lessons outside the classroom and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The supplies you helped provide—pencils, paper, clipboards, and outdoor materials—have allowed my students to engage in hands-on learning like never before. They've been able to draw inspiration directly from their surroundings, experimenting with different techniques and creating artwork that is truly personal and unique.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting moments for my students was when they first saw the materials. Their eyes lit up with excitement! The opportunity to sketch and create outside, surrounded by nature, was a completely new experience for them, and they jumped in with enthusiasm. Whether they were drawing the intricate patterns in the leaves or capturing the play of light on a tree, their creativity flourished in the outdoor setting. It's been amazing to witness their confidence grow as they experiment and push themselves to think outside the box.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my students will continue to build on these outdoor experiences. They are currently working on a collaborative project that involves creating an art piece inspired by the natural elements around them. It's been wonderful to see them work together, sharing ideas and developing a sense of artistic community. With the supplies you've provided, they will be able to bring their projects to life, and I'm confident that this experience will leave a lasting impact on their confidence and artistic abilities. Once again, thank you for supporting our classroom and helping these young artists grow and thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1743641989156,"projectUrl":"project/creative-outdoors-bringing-7th-grade-ar/9200264/","projectTitle":"Creative Outdoors: Bringing 7th Grade Art to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCormick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9563494_orig.png?crop=756,756,x38,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717642540307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563494"},{"teacherId":9132830,"projectId":8918075,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our STEM classroom project! Your support has made a tremendous impact on my students, especially through the engaging math games they now have access to. They absolutely love exploring new challenges and developing their problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way. Seeing their excitement and confidence grow as they tackle these activities has been truly rewarding, and it wouldn't be possible without your kindness.\r\n\r\nI also want to express my gratitude for the working headphones your donation has provided. Having reliable headphones allows my students to fully engage with educational programs, focus on their learning, and work independently without distractions. This simple yet essential resource makes such a difference in our daily classroom experience. Thank you for believing in my students and supporting their journey in STEM education—we appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1735503197528,"projectUrl":"project/stem-classroom/8918075/","projectTitle":"STEM Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9132830_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706416320996","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132830"},{"teacherId":9563494,"projectId":8761662,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! With your contribution, our students have been able to explore their creativity in ways that weren't possible before. Recently, we worked on a small but meaningful project where students painted colorful landscapes using tempera paints. The vibrant colors allowed them to experiment with blending and layering in ways that really brought their visions to life. It was amazing to see their eyes light up as they mixed colors to create their own versions of sunsets, forests, and oceans. One student even said, \"I didn't know I could make something so beautiful!\"—a moment that truly captured the power of creative expression.\r\n\r\nWhen the tempera paints arrived, the excitement in the classroom was contagious! Students eagerly dipped their brushes into the paints and immediately began exploring how to make their artwork come to life. They were so proud of their work, and many of them shared their paintings with their classmates, exchanging ideas and tips. It was clear that these new supplies gave them a fresh sense of excitement and confidence in their artistic abilities.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be building on this project by adding textures to their paintings, using different materials to enhance their work even further. Thanks to you, these students now have the resources to express themselves in new and exciting ways, and I can't wait to see how their artwork continues to grow!","fullyFundedDate":1730642788582,"projectUrl":"project/creative-canvas/8761662/","projectTitle":"Creative Canvas","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCormick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9563494_orig.png?crop=756,756,x38,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717642540307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563494"},{"teacherId":8436497,"projectId":8914671,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to our classroom. Thanks to you, our class room can continue to run smoothly with all of the supplies that we need. We use almost all of our supplies daily. My students love to use their dry erase boards throughout the day. Now, they can use their own personal erasers to clean their boards. These are a great tool to have, and my students love them so much. We were using tissues before , so having these erasers also eliminates waste. \r\n\r\nWhen first seeing the materials, my students were in awe. They were so excited to see all of their new colorful pouches and supplies! They have been taking care of their items ever since. \r\n\r\nThese supplies have been a life saver for me. They also make our lessons successful since we have the supplies we need. In our classroom, we are learning all about the Earth's Spin, and thanks to this project, we have been able to learn and grow without the stress of not having supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1733279950438,"projectUrl":"project/learning-essentials-for-first-grade/8914671/","projectTitle":"Learning Essentials for First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jeon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8436497_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672689572041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8436497"},{"teacherId":9563494,"projectId":8762626,"letterContent":"I am so excited to share how your generous support will have a lasting impact on our elementary school's art program! With access to quality paints, brushes, and other essential art supplies, my students will have the opportunity to experiment with different techniques and create more vibrant and precise artwork. These materials are crucial for helping them grow as artists, and I've already seen how eager they are to dive in and start exploring. They approach each art project with boundless energy and excitement, and with these new resources, they will have the tools they need to bring their ideas to life in even more dynamic ways. Whether they are mixing colors to create new shades or learning to use different brush techniques, the students will be able to refine their skills and express their creativity with confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the new supplies arrived, the students were thrilled! They couldn't wait to get their hands on the paints and brushes and immediately began experimenting. It was inspiring to see their excitement as they started creating, pushing themselves to try new things and take artistic risks. With each new technique they try, I can already see their confidence growing, and they are becoming more comfortable expressing their unique ideas through their art.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I can't wait to see how these new resources continue to fuel their creativity. With these supplies, students will be able to experiment with different styles and approaches, allowing them to bring their individual visions to life. Your support is helping them grow as artists and is giving them the tools they need to reach their full potential. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1728853203523,"projectUrl":"project/adding-color-to-the-south-shore/8762626/","projectTitle":"Adding Color to the South Shore","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCormick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9563494_orig.png?crop=756,756,x38,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717642540307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563494"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5674","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":511,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":92,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.0,"schoolId":5674,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about O'Keeffe School of Excellence on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"O'Keeffe School of Excellence","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/o-keeffe-elementary-school/5674"}
Join the 847 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
O'Keeffe School of Excellence is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 511 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.0:1.
Its teachers have had 212 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
96%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
O'Keeffe School of Excellence Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
O'Keeffe School of Excellence
$131,647
raised using DonorsChoose
212
projects
funded
74
teachers
funded
847
donors
24
projects
for
basic supplies
47
projects for
technology
16
projects for
books
12
projects
for
art supplies
O'Keeffe School of Excellence has received support from
491 individuals from Illinois and
356 individuals out-of-state.