{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Union School","outOfStateSupporters":11.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10312157,"projectId":10711758,"letterContent":"STEAM activities are fundamentally transforming the way our second graders interact with the world by turning abstract concepts into hands-on discoveries. By 2nd grade, children are naturally curious explorers who want to know exactly how things work. By integrating weekly STEAM activities—like using magnetic blocks and utilizing kinetic sand to explore—we are channeling that curiosity into foundational critical thinking skills. Instead of just reading about science in a textbook, our students are actively asking questions and testing their own theories. \r\n\r\nBeyond the academic growth, these STEAM activities are building life skills by fostering a growth mindset and wonderful teamwork in our classroom. In a traditional lesson, students often worry about getting the \"right\" or \"wrong\" answer, but STEAM completely changes that dynamic by celebrating trial and error. When a tall magnetic block tower collapses or a kinetic sand mold structural design doesn't hold on the first try, our second graders are learning to troubleshoot, adapt, and treat mistakes as valuable data rather than a failure. This builds immense resilience and confidence that spills over into everything they do. Also, because these projects require small-group collaboration, the students are practicing active listening, sharing responsibilities, and communicating their ideas clearly. It is incredibly rewarding to watch them learn how to navigate different viewpoints and build each other up as a team.\r\n\r\nMy students were beyond excited to see these STEAM tubs come together. To start, we are going to use them in the mornings before our day begins. My hope is that the students will start to explore with the materials and get a better understanding for what the different materials can do or what they can create with them. From there, we will integrate them into our science and math lessons to develop a more hands on approach to learning.","fullyFundedDate":1792774830438,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-and-critical-thinking-through/10711758/","projectTitle":"Creativity and Critical Thinking Through STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Trtanj","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10312157_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791308231375","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10312157"},{"teacherId":6722951,"projectId":10118249,"letterContent":"These items were a game changer for the start of this year, and they continue to help us be successful in the classroom. The students loved being able to pick out new chair covers, and they help us keep our materials organized. I am a departmentalized teacher and rotate through three different classes; these chair pockets allow us to keep our needed materials safe since we work at large tables, not desks. The zipper pouches are 100% appreciated; I just handed out 2 more to students in need. The fidgets are used daily as tools to help students refocus and as a reward for students who are focused. Each and every item that was donated has helped contribute to my success and the success of my students; thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1784309339228,"projectUrl":"project/extra-extra-read-all-about-it/10118249/","projectTitle":"Extra Extra READ all About it!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaiser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6722951_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627744207818","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6722951"},{"teacherId":2034151,"projectId":10148021,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to my classroom. These standing desks are a great option for students that are just having difficultly sitting in their seat. \r\n\r\nAt the end of last year, the standing desks helped because students were struggling staying focused with all the end of the year events and activities. \r\n\r\nThis year with a new group of students they are loving the option of some days they just need to stand. Or I have used it as an incentive to work hard in class and that could be a reward. \r\n\r\nSometimes sitting all day just doesn't work for everyone. This helps those students become successful throughout the day.","fullyFundedDate":1778010914753,"projectUrl":"project/standing-desk-more-focus/10148021/","projectTitle":"Standing Desk = More Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Todd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2034151_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448926960914","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2034151"},{"teacherId":10463920,"projectId":10237550,"letterContent":"THANK YOU! Because of your generosity, our first grade classroom is going to start the year organized, functional, and ready for learning from day one. Your support has helped create a space where students can easily access materials, stay focused, and learn important independence skills that will help them all year long.\r\n\r\nAn organized classroom may seem like a small thing, but in first grade it makes a huge difference. By creating a space that's organized and calm, I will have a better opportunity to teach and connect, rather than managing supplies and searching for things. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in me and my students. Your generosity will positively impact our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1778122609199,"projectUrl":"project/an-organized-classroom-confident-first/10237550/","projectTitle":"An Organized Classroom = Confident First Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scheibel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10463920_orig.png?crop=279,279,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773611590305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10463920"},{"teacherId":10463920,"projectId":10156197,"letterContent":"My gratitude for your support in funding this project is beyond what I can fully express in this note. I am so excited to be returning to the classroom next year and to have my own group of first graders. These supplies will help me create hands-on, engaging learning experiences that support all students and help them succeed. I truly believe every child can become a successful reader with the right teacher, tools, and encouragement.\r\n\r\nEven though I am not yet in my own first grade classroom, I was so eager to open the packages, explore the materials, and even begin using some of them with the students I currently work with as a reading teacher. With the help of these resources — made possible through your generous support — and my passion for teaching children to read, I am hopeful and excited for a successful transition into this new role.\r\n\r\nI pour my whole heart into everything I do, and I am incredibly thankful that you chose to believe in me and support my students. Thank you again for your generosity and kindness. I truly cannot wait to get started!","fullyFundedDate":1775966461885,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-in-1st-grade/10156197/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers in 1st Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scheibel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10463920_orig.png?crop=279,279,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773611590305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10463920"},{"teacherId":9739195,"projectId":10019856,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for blessing my classroom and helping transform it into a true \"Home Sweet Classroom!\" The impact has been incredible. My students are asking to stay longer, coming in more excited each day, and even sharing that this is their favorite class.\r\n\r\nThey are more focused, more comfortable, and truly enjoying a space that feels like a home away from home. This transformation has been a complete game-changer for my students, and I am so grateful for the difference your generosity has made.","fullyFundedDate":1769703545195,"projectUrl":"project/home-sweet-classroom-enter-as-students/10019856/","projectTitle":"Home Sweet Classroom: Enter as Students, Stay as Family","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burklow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9739195_orig.jpg?crop=977,977,x13,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755882052774","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9739195"},{"teacherId":5923456,"projectId":9786605,"letterContent":"WOW! Thank you so very much for your generosity!! Every single student that has walked into the speech room has smiled the biggest smile imaginable! They enjoy coming each and every week. We rotate through the flexible seating options, which they all seem to enjoy. Our aerogarden is thriving and we have even shared some plants with other classrooms within the building. \r\n\r\nWe are beyond grateful for your continued support to our room. My students are motivated and excited to tell others about their opportunities within the speech room. They continue to thrive and are willing participants in each and every session. Thank you again for all your help and generosity! We are hoping as the year goes on, we will expand our classroom garden. We have an outdoor garden at our school and this is allowing us to jump-start our plant growth! We are so excited to help contribute to our school!","fullyFundedDate":1767221669831,"projectUrl":"project/flex-seating-in-speech/9786605/","projectTitle":"Flex Seating in Speech!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Horn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5923456_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759429029212","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5923456"},{"teacherId":6722951,"projectId":9987284,"letterContent":"The items I can already use are the zipper pouches, squish balls, and fidgets. The students love all the new reward options, such as food shapes and squish balls. I also have a lot of students who need something to fidget with while on our individualized online program, and the fidgets have been great with helping students focus. Lastly, the zipper pouches are in full swing! The students love the colors, and I love their durability! Thank you again for your generous donations! My classroom would not be able to function as well as it does without you, and I mean it!! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1768494611042,"projectUrl":"project/2026-2027-school-year/9987284/","projectTitle":"2026-2027 School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaiser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6722951_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627744207818","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6722951"},{"teacherId":9739195,"projectId":9876740,"letterContent":"My students are absolutely loving the flexible seating in our classroom! They've made so many comments about how it helps them focus better and how much more comfortable they feel in our space.\r\n\r\nThe biggest impact I've noticed since removing traditional desks is the sense of closeness I feel with my students. The room now feels more like a space where we gather to learn and enjoy our time together. We're all comfortable, and it creates an environment that feels more like home. That comfort has truly strengthened our classroom community and enhanced the overall learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1765212513976,"projectUrl":"project/from-rows-to-rugs-the-classroom-reimag/9876740/","projectTitle":"From Rows to Rugs — the Classroom Reimagined","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burklow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9739195_orig.jpg?crop=977,977,x13,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755882052774","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9739195"},{"teacherId":10312157,"projectId":9829072,"letterContent":"Reading Charlotte's Web has had a meaningful impact on my second-grade students' growth as independent readers. Throughout the book, students were encouraged to apply reading strategies such as making predictions, using context clues, and rereading to clarify meaning. As the story progressed, many students began using these strategies on their own without prompting, showing increased confidence in their reading abilities.\r\n\r\nBecause the characters and themes were engaging and relatable, students were motivated to read closely and sustain attention for longer periods of time. They independently tracked characters, recalled important events, and made connections between chapters. Students also demonstrated independence by asking thoughtful questions, participating in discussions, and completing written responses with less support.","fullyFundedDate":1763054732255,"projectUrl":"project/future-readers/9829072/","projectTitle":"Future Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Trtanj","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10312157_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791308231375","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10312157"},{"teacherId":6722951,"projectId":9794793,"letterContent":"We have only had time so far to complete the volcano kits, but OHH MY. The students had the best time exploring and working together to build the formation of the volcanoes. They had a fantastic time working together and figuring out how to best create the volcano. Next, they had to paint the volcano. For my artist in the group, they loved this part the most. Last, we were able to connect our experiment to our Science lesson with the formation of new substances. The mixing and bubbling of the substances lit up their eyes, and we have you to thank!!","fullyFundedDate":1760671526724,"projectUrl":"project/stem-supplies/9794793/","projectTitle":"Stem Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaiser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6722951_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627744207818","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6722951"},{"teacherId":9340670,"projectId":9723649,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of classroom books and materials. Your support means more than you know. Because of your kindness, my students are growing their love of reading! They also now have the tools they need to learn, create, and explore with confidence during our STEAM time each week.\r\n\r\nThese materials are already making a difference—helping us build a more engaging, hands-on learning environment where every student feels supported and excited to participate. I have always and will always be...a REAL book in the hands of young readers type of teacher. The Scaredy Squirrel books do not stay a moment on the classroom library shelf. Your contribution shows my students that their education matters and that people in the community believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity, and we appreciate your investment in our classroom. Thank you for helping us make learning brighter for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1759418049434,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-classroom-library-for-future/9723649/","projectTitle":"Building a Classroom Library for Future Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9340670"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30153","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":395,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":56,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":10,"gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":88.1,"schoolId":30153,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Union School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Union School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/belleville-public-school-district-118/union-school/30153"}