{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ruben Salazar Bilingual Center","outOfStateSupporters":29.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7043914,"projectId":9963433,"letterContent":"I displayed and let students look through the scripts, and their eyes lit up! I was so happy to see the immediate interest that they displayed. Students have already begun transforming our classroom into a stage, practicing their fluency and expression with newfound confidence. This project has given my students a creative outlet to find their voices, and even my most hesitant readers are now eager to perform in the spotlight. Thank you for providing the tools that have turned reading into an interactive, joyful, and collaborative experience!","fullyFundedDate":1776382715735,"projectUrl":"project/voices-in-the-spotlight-the-readers-the/9963433/","projectTitle":"Voices in the Spotlight: the Readers Theater Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Echeverria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7043914_orig.png?crop=467,467,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676647438113","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7043914"},{"teacherId":7043914,"projectId":10213924,"letterContent":"I displayed and let students look through the snacks, and their eyes lit up! I was so happy to see the immediate interest that they displayed. Students have finally been able to shift their focus from their rumbling stomachs back to their lessons. Instead of asking when lunch is, they are now asking insightful questions about our curriculum. Having these healthy options on hand has eliminated the \"afternoon slump\" and created an equitable environment where every child has the energy they need to succeed. Thank you for realizing that a well-fed student is a well-prepared learner!","fullyFundedDate":1777907620164,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-thought-snacks-for-hungry-lear/10213924/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Thought: Snacks for Hungry Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Echeverria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7043914_orig.png?crop=467,467,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676647438113","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7043914"},{"teacherId":7043914,"projectId":10141496,"letterContent":"Students have already begun diving into these new titles with enthusiasm, and the buzz in our reading corner is palpable. They are not only reaching for these books during independent reading time but are also eagerly sharing their favorite pages and discoveries with one another. This project has truly revitalized our library, transforming it into a high-interest hub where every student feels motivated to pick up a book. Thank you for fostering a genuine love of reading and please know that your generosity has turned our library into a place of constant discovery.","fullyFundedDate":1776384227782,"projectUrl":"project/agency-to-love-reading/10141496/","projectTitle":"Agency to Love Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Echeverria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7043914_orig.png?crop=467,467,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676647438113","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7043914"},{"teacherId":1893217,"projectId":10209214,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project! By replenishing our essential supplies, you have directly fueled a classroom environment where hands-on, active learning can thrive every single day. Your support has given my kinesthetic learners the tactile tools they need to grasp complex concepts, while ensuring our daily interactive lessons run smoothly without interruption. More than just providing Play-Doh and markers, your gift has shown my students that a whole community of supporters believes in their potential, leaving a lasting impact on their confidence and enthusiasm for learning through the rest of the term.","fullyFundedDate":1777904831836,"projectUrl":"project/the-final-stretch-fuel-up/10209214/","projectTitle":"The \"Final Stretch\" Fuel Up","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Escobar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1893217_orig.jpg?crop=275,275,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563504168829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lesley-escobar"},{"teacherId":1893217,"projectId":10192826,"letterContent":"I am absolutely thrilled to write to you today and say a massive, heartfelt thank you for funding our project, \"Point, Click, & Edit: Let's Stock Up on Writing Essentials!\" Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is now fully stocked with the essential tools our students need to bring their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nIt is easy to forget how much the \"little things,\" like sharp pencils, editing pens, erasers, and sharpeners, impact a student's daily momentum. Because of you, we no longer have to pause our creative flow to hunt down working supplies!","fullyFundedDate":1776821572258,"projectUrl":"project/point-click-edit-lets-stock-up-on/10192826/","projectTitle":"Point, Click, & Edit: Let's Stock Up on Writing Essentials!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Escobar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1893217_orig.jpg?crop=275,275,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563504168829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lesley-escobar"},{"teacherId":1893217,"projectId":10192751,"letterContent":"I just wanted to send a huge, heartfelt thank you for helping us fund \"Headphones for Increased Independence and Success!\" Thanks to your amazing generosity, our classroom now has awesome, high-quality headphones that the kids are already using every single day.\r\n\r\nYou should have seen the room when the boxes arrived—the kids were absolutely thrilled! Watching them light up as they tried on their brand-new headphones was the best reminder of how much it means to them to have nice, working tools in our classroom. They honestly couldn't wait to plug them in and get to work!","fullyFundedDate":1776434550776,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-increased-independence-an/10192751/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Increased Independence and Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Escobar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1893217_orig.jpg?crop=275,275,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563504168829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lesley-escobar"},{"teacherId":3505405,"projectId":10002771,"letterContent":"Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom. Before the badminton sets were introduced, indoor recess could be challenging—some students felt restless or left out. Now, it's a time filled with joy, movement, and connection. I'll never forget the first day we used them—students lit up with excitement, and even those who are usually hesitant stepped forward to try. Within minutes, they were laughing, encouraging one another, and building confidence together. We now use the sets regularly, and they've become a powerful way for students to form friendships, practice teamwork, and feel included. I've even joined in, making those moments even more meaningful. Because of you, my students didn't just receive equipment—they gained joy, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging. \r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1770647673276,"projectUrl":"project/smash-solve-support/10002771/","projectTitle":"Smash, Solve, & Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sengupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3505405"},{"teacherId":1893217,"projectId":7691615,"letterContent":"I am writing to share a long-overdue thank-you and an update on the resources you funded for my classroom in 2023.\r\n\r\nShortly after the project was successfully funded, I went on maternity leave, followed by an extended year-long leave to be with my family. Upon my return to the classroom this year, my teaching placement shifted, so I haven't yet had the opportunity to implement these specific resources alongside a matching curriculum.\r\n\r\nI wanted to assure you that your generous contribution is safe and ready to go. The resources are currently organized and available in my classroom, and I am eagerly looking forward to a placement or unit in the near future where I can finally put them to use.","fullyFundedDate":1695218796561,"projectUrl":"project/english-language-learners-deserve-a-stro/7691615/","projectTitle":"English Language Learners Deserve a Strong Foundation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Escobar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1893217_orig.jpg?crop=275,275,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563504168829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lesley-escobar"},{"teacherId":9477732,"projectId":9528194,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, our students now have access to meaningful tools and engaging books that are already making a difference in their learning. The new texts have helped us strengthen key skills such as phonics, comprehension, and writing. Students are practicing how to identify sounds, build words, and express their ideas through complete sentences. The headphones with microphones have been especially helpful during phonics practice, allowing students to hear themselves, build confidence, and stay engaged during independent work time.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and student-centered. You might see us gathered on the carpet discussing a story, practicing vocabulary together, or working in small groups where students read and respond to texts. We also use erase boards daily for writing activities, giving students a low-pressure way to practice spelling, sentence building, and sharing their thinking. Our calming corner materials have created a space where students can reset and return ready to learn, and the new containers have helped us stay organized so materials are easily accessible throughout the day.\r\n\r\nMany of our students are especially excited about the new books added to our classroom library. They love having more choices and often ask to read them during independent time. Some of my students who were previously hesitant are now more willing to participate, try new words, and share their thinking. It has been beautiful to see their confidence grow. Your support has truly created a more engaging, organized, and supportive learning environment for all of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764355128077,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-brilliance-learning-creating/9528194/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Brilliance: Learning, Creating, Growing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fabian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9477732"},{"teacherId":10179905,"projectId":9863221,"letterContent":"THANK YOU for your incredible generosity! Your support is doing so much more than just providing furniture, you are giving my students with disabilities the keys to unlock their own learning environment.\r\n\r\nSince the flexible seating arrived, our classroom has transformed. These options allow my students to address their sensory needs, release stress, and \"get the wiggles out\" in a way that feels natural and safe. Whether it's helping a student self-regulate after a tough morning or providing the physical outlet needed to finish a writing assignment, these seats are essential tools. Your donation ensures that every student, regardless of their physical or sensory needs, feels included and ready to succeed. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1762571410504,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-wiggle/9863221/","projectTitle":"Wiggle Wiggle","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Evelyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179905_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755277638604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179905"},{"teacherId":9124358,"projectId":9626604,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding \"A Sound Mind: Music and Mindfulness.\" The arrival of the singing bowls has brought a whole new level of peace and purpose to our music classroom. When my students first saw the set, they were absolutely captivated. Having spent months practicing mindfulness through videos, they were amazed to see the physical instruments that create those resonant, drone-like sounds. Their immediate reaction was one of awe and astonishment; they couldn't wait to see how the vibrations felt and sounded in person.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the singing bowls to transform our daily mindfulness routine into an active musical exploration. In a recent classroom moment, a small group of students led their first \"Sound Bath\" for their peers. Instead of relying on a screen, the students took turns carefully playing the bowls, focusing on their technique to maintain a steady, calming frequency. This has created a profound connection to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), as students are now directly responsible for creating the calm environment they once only listened to. It has turned our mindfulness into a hands-on lesson in acoustics and self-regulation.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are even more ambitious! We will have a unit on the science of sound, where students will study specific frequencies and research how different vibrations affect the human body. They will be tasked with composing their own \"Mindfulness Sequences\" to lead the class, choosing specific bowls to achieve different emotional goals. Your support has empowered these young musicians to take ownership of their well-being through the power of sound.","fullyFundedDate":1760693653952,"projectUrl":"project/a-sound-mind-music-and-mindfulness/9626604/","projectTitle":"A Sound Mind: Music and Mindfulness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9124358_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754859430434","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bilingual-beats"},{"teacherId":9877123,"projectId":9843925,"letterContent":"Because of you, our classroom feels more calm, organized, and student-centered. When the flexible seating, sensory tools, and storage materials arrived, my students were immediately excited and eager to try everything. Giving them the opportunity to choose where they learn best has made them feel trusted and valued. From the very first day, I noticed a shift in their engagement and overall sense of ownership in our space.\r\n\r\nWe now use the flexible seating daily during literacy, math, and independent work time. Students who previously struggled to stay focused are working for longer stretches and completing tasks with greater confidence. The sensory-friendly tools have helped students regulate their emotions and remain calm during challenging moments. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, they are learning how to use strategies that support their focus. The storage tools have also made a meaningful difference by keeping materials accessible and transitions smooth, allowing us to spend more time learning.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue building independence, strengthening academic conversations, and deepening our engagement with grade-level content in this welcoming environment. My goal has always been to create a classroom where students feel supported and ready to grow each day. Because of your generosity, that goal is becoming a reality. Thank you for investing in my students and helping create a space where they can truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1763606414165,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-supportive-space-where-every/9843925/","projectTitle":"Building a Supportive Space Where Every Student Can Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aviles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9877123_orig.png?crop=1241,1241,x175,y344&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734563693741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9877123"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5474","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":366,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":91,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":80,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"21.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.3,"schoolId":5474,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ruben Salazar Bilingual Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ruben Salazar Bilingual Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/ruben-salazar-bilingual-center/5474"}