{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Washington Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8180551,"projectId":9850780,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to my DonorsChoose project. Your support is more than a financial donation — it is an act of compassion, understanding, and belief in the potential of children who do not always receive the same opportunities as students in more resourced communities.\r\n\r\nI teach in a Title I school serving families who work incredibly hard but face significant economic challenges. Many of our students come to school without basic supplies, and teachers often fill the gaps themselves. While I am committed to doing everything I can to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom, the reality is that much of what my students need simply isn't provided by the school budget. This makes supporters like you invaluable partners in our work each day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity ensures that my students have access to tools that enrich their learning, build their confidence, and allow them to experience the joy and dignity of having materials that truly meet their needs. Whether your support came from a personal connection, a belief in educational equity, or simply a desire to make a difference, please know that you have had a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of children who deserve every opportunity to succeed.\r\n\r\nOne of the items funded through this project is a much-needed color printer. Although it may seem like a simple tool, its impact in a classroom like mine is enormous. Visual learning is essential for many of my students, particularly those with learning disabilities, language barriers, executive functioning needs, or limited exposure to print-rich environments at home. With a color printer, I can create individualized visual supports, behavior charts, reading tools, vocabulary cards, and graphic organizers that help students access the curriculum in ways that make sense for them. For some students, color coding is what finally helps them understand how to break down a reading passage. For others, visually differentiated steps allow them to complete math problems that previously felt impossible. Having this resource on hand will transform the way I can support them.\r\n\r\nBeyond the printer, you have also helped bring in learning materials that brighten our classroom and spark curiosity. When a child who has struggled finally experiences success because a new tool or support made something \"click,\" that moment is priceless. You have helped create those moments. You have helped build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. My students notice when someone invests in them. They notice when their classroom feels a little more colorful, a little more comfortable, and a little more like a place designed with them in mind. And they notice the love and care behind these materials, even when they don't know exactly where the support came from.\r\n\r\nI want you to know that your donation doesn't just buy supplies — it strengthens relationships. It deepens trust between teacher and student. It allows children to walk into a room that feels safe, supportive, and built for them. It helps me meet students where they are and guide them toward where they can go. You have helped me create an environment that says to each child, \"You matter. Your learning matters. Your growth matters.\"\r\n\r\nMany of my students live daily with stressors and uncertainties beyond their control. School becomes their predictable place, the one environment where their needs are noticed and cared for consistently. Your contribution plays a part in building that stability. When students see that someone outside of their immediate community cares about their education, it expands their sense of what is possible. It reminds them that the world is full of people who believe in them, even if they have never met them.\r\n\r\nFor my students who are developing readers, struggling mathematicians, emerging English speakers, or children with disabilities, your support has made learning feel more achievable. When a student holds a beautifully printed reading passage, uses a bright visual schedule, or interacts with a material that was created just for them, it reinforces that learning can be joyful rather than overwhelming. I work with students who often feel like school is too hard or that they are not \"good at\" certain subjects. Your support gives me more tools to help them feel capable and confident.\r\n\r\nI also want to share a little about what my students are like, because they are the heart of this work. They are curious, funny, resilient, and full of potential. Many of them love reading but struggle with decoding or fluency. Some love math but need visuals and hands-on manipulatives to understand multi-step problems. Others are bilingual learners developing academic vocabulary in English while still learning foundational skills in their first language. Many of my students juggle academic needs, emotional needs, and social challenges, yet they arrive each day ready to try again. Their determination inspires me every single day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity honors their effort. You are investing in students who want to succeed and who are incredibly grateful for every opportunity placed in front of them. Although they may not always have the words to express it, they feel the difference. They sense that someone cares, someone believes in their future, and someone is willing to stand beside them in their educational journey.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, your support also fills my cup. Teaching in a low-income community can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be heavy. The emotional, academic, and material needs are high. Many teachers quietly spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year supplementing their classroom materials. It can be exhausting and discouraging when you cannot provide everything your students deserve. Your donation lifts some of that weight. It reminds me that I am not doing this work alone. It reminds me that there are people who care about what happens inside our classroom and who are willing to invest in teachers and children.\r\n\r\nI hope you know how genuinely thankful I am. Your contribution strengthens not only our classroom but our entire school community. It sends a message that education matters — that equity matters — and that every child deserves access to high-quality learning experiences, regardless of their zip code.\r\n\r\nOver the coming months, I will be sharing updates, photos, and stories about how your generosity has come to life in our learning environment. I want you to see the smiles, the moments of understanding, and the progress that your support makes possible. You are truly part of our classroom now.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness, your generosity, and your belief in the power of education. Thank you for giving my students the chance to shine a little brighter. Thank you for helping me create a classroom that reflects dignity, curiosity, and possibility.\r\n\r\nYour gift will continue to make a difference far beyond this moment, and I hope you know how appreciated you are.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,\r\n\r\nRenee\r\nSpecial Education Teacher\r\nWaukegan, IL","fullyFundedDate":1765990959864,"projectUrl":"project/color-makes-learning-clearer-for-every-s/9850780/","projectTitle":"Color Makes Learning Clearer for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8180551_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637679506857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-coleman22"},{"teacherId":9128037,"projectId":9502611,"letterContent":"My students have been so engaged during math center time with the number puzzles and connecting straws. When I presented our new bin of connecting straws, my students said \"Wow!\" and looked so excited to start playing with them. They worked together in partners to build 3-D shapes, houses, and castles. They also used their imagination and creativity to create other designs with the connecting straws. \r\n\r\nOn a math lesson for classification, I explained that they would be using sticker shapes to classify by color, shape or size. They loved choosing from the variety shapes and peeling the paper off to stick them on, which also strengthened their fine motor skills! I love seeing my students excited to learn and play with materials that allow them to be creative. \r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity in providing these materials. Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!","fullyFundedDate":1756226689412,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-materials/9502611/","projectTitle":"Back to School Materials!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9128037_orig.jpg?crop=314,314,x0,y43&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690774162499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9128037"},{"teacherId":8003706,"projectId":9762496,"letterContent":"Since introducing the microphone and speaker into my classroom, the impact on student engagement, confidence, and learning has been remarkable. Almost immediately, I noticed students who were typically quiet or hesitant to participate began raising their hands and volunteering answers more frequently. The simple act of knowing their voice could be amplified and clearly heard by everyone in the room gave them a sense of importance and ownership over their contributions. Students began to take more risks in sharing their ideas, practicing new vocabulary, and reading aloud without the usual anxiety or hesitation. During group discussions, students became more willing to share their thinking, ask questions, and respond to their peers, creating a lively, interactive environment where ideas flowed freely. This sense of being heard has also fostered a more inclusive classroom community, as students who might have felt overlooked in the past are now fully engaged and active participants.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the microphone and speaker have had a profound effect on students' social-emotional growth. Shy students who often avoided speaking in front of the class now approach discussions with confidence, and those with strong voices have learned to listen more carefully and respectfully to others. Students frequently remark on how exciting it feels to know their thoughts and answers matter, and I see the pride in their expressions when their peers respond positively or applaud their efforts. This tool has also supported peer-to-peer learning. Students can present projects, read writing assignments, or explain math strategies to the whole class, allowing classmates to hear multiple perspectives and learning styles. The clarity of sound ensures that no one misses out, which reduces frustration and helps maintain focus for all learners.\r\n\r\nAnother notable impact has been in classroom management and participation. When using the microphone during transitions or announcements, students respond quickly and attentively, improving the overall flow of lessons. Even during small-group activities, having a speaker available has allowed for recorded instructions or group presentations, giving every student equal access to the information being shared. Students with speech or language challenges, as well as English learners, have benefited particularly from hearing themselves amplified and from being able to hear peers clearly, which reinforces pronunciation, comprehension, and communication skills.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, the microphone and speaker have helped nurture a classroom culture where every student feels that their voice matters. I see more collaboration, better teamwork, and increased motivation across subjects because students are more willing to participate when they know they can be heard. The sense of pride and accomplishment from sharing their ideas openly has carried over into independent work, reading, writing, and problem-solving tasks. Overall, this simple technology has transformed my classroom into a space where students feel confident, empowered, and supported—not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. By giving students a platform to express themselves, we are building lifelong skills in communication, self-confidence, and respect for others, which will serve them far beyond the classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1758905742030,"projectUrl":"project/everyone-has-a-voice/9762496/","projectTitle":"Everyone Has A Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kazanow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8003706_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x147,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649779243912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8003706"},{"teacherId":8003706,"projectId":9763117,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the Halloween snacks, decorations, and craft materials, their excitement was contagious! They immediately started planning which activities they wanted to do first—some went straight to making spooky art projects, while others gathered for the themed snacks. One memorable moment was when a group of students worked together to design paper pumpkins; they were so proud to show off their creations to the class.\r\n\r\nThe students loved having a chance to celebrate together while exploring their creativity. Many of them were smiling, laughing, and helping each other during the activities. It was wonderful to see how a festive, hands-on experience can lift their spirits, encourage teamwork, and give them a break from the usual classroom routine.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to build on this energy for upcoming projects and lessons. The students are excited to bring the same creativity and teamwork into reading, writing, and art projects for the season. Your support made this Halloween celebration possible and showed my students that learning can be fun, engaging, and full of joy!","fullyFundedDate":1759606482763,"projectUrl":"project/halloween-snacks/9763117/","projectTitle":"Halloween Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kazanow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8003706_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x147,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649779243912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8003706"},{"teacherId":1019101,"projectId":9653010,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of art supplies to our classroom! Your thoughtfulness has brought so much excitement and creativity to our students. Having new markers and crayons gives our young artists the chance to express themselves, explore their imaginations, and take pride in their work.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom feels even more vibrant and inspiring. The students are already eager to start new projects and share their creations with one another. It's amazing to see how the right materials can spark confidence and joy in learning.","fullyFundedDate":1760693551828,"projectUrl":"project/it-is-fun-to-draw/9653010/","projectTitle":"It Is Fun to Draw","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Boye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1019101"},{"teacherId":1019101,"projectId":9763734,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of pencils, erasers and Magna-tiles to our classroom! It is so nice to have new materials to share with the students. Your kindness helps make sure every student has the tools they need to learn, write, and do their best work each day. \r\n\r\nThe students were so excited to receive the new supplies, and we've already been putting them to great use. Your thoughtfulness truly makes a difference in our classroom and helps create a positive learning environment for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1760713236956,"projectUrl":"project/we-are-learning/9763734/","projectTitle":"We are Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Boye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1019101"},{"teacherId":1019101,"projectId":9657763,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of art supplies! Your support means the world to our students and helps create a more engaging, well-equipped learning environment. Because of your kindness, our students have the tools they need to explore, create, and succeed each day.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and commitment to education. Your generosity makes a real difference in our classroom and in the lives of our students. It is always so nice to be able to add a little extra into the classroom and you did that.","fullyFundedDate":1760693554046,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-creations/9657763/","projectTitle":"Colorful Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Boye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1019101"},{"teacherId":10247320,"projectId":9695544,"letterContent":"Our students were overjoyed when they received the new \"Colorful Tools for Growing Minds\" materials. The bright supplies immediately inspired creativity and opened up new ways for them to express themselves during our social work activities. One student shared, \"These colors help me show how I feel inside,\" capturing exactly how powerful these tools have been in helping students explore their emotions and connect with one another.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the materials to encourage teamwork, empathy, and communication through art-based social learning projects. As we move forward, our next step is to continue integrating these tools into activities that promote emotional growth, confidence, and a stronger sense of community in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758636555121,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-tools-for-growing-minds/9695544/","projectTitle":"Colorful Tools for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Guzman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10247320"},{"teacherId":8180551,"projectId":8794335,"letterContent":"Since these math and phonics manipulatives arrived, my classroom has been filled with excitement and hands-on learning! My students were so eager to explore the new materials and immediately began using them to strengthen their understanding of key concepts. These manipulatives have turned abstract ideas into something they can touch, see, and truly understand.\r\n\r\nDuring math, students now use the manipulatives to solve problems, build models, and explain their thinking to classmates. In phonics, they use letter tiles and sound cards to build words and practice decoding skills in fun, engaging ways. These tools have not only deepened their understanding but also boosted their confidence and collaboration.\r\n\r\nIt's incredible to see how such simple materials can make such a big difference. Thank you for helping create a classroom where every student—regardless of background—can learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and success every day.","fullyFundedDate":1733263412110,"projectUrl":"project/learning-for-life/8794335/","projectTitle":"Learning for Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8180551_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637679506857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-coleman22"},{"teacherId":8180551,"projectId":8780475,"letterContent":"Since these supplies arrived, my classroom has been buzzing with excitement and creativity! My students were thrilled to see the new scissors, Play-Doh, expo markers, and pens—and couldn't wait to start using them. Having access to these basic materials has already transformed our lessons into more engaging, hands-on learning experiences.\r\n\r\nWe use the new expo markers daily to practice reading and writing CVC words, and students love being able to show their work on individual whiteboards. The Play-Doh has become a favorite tool for building letters, words, and even math models—making learning tactile and fun. The new scissors and pens have also helped students take ownership of their work, giving them confidence and pride in what they create.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a real difference in our classroom. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to learn, create, and thrive each day.","fullyFundedDate":1726688665755,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-learning/8780475/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8180551_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637679506857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-coleman22"},{"teacherId":8180551,"projectId":8333833,"letterContent":"Since these new materials arrived, my classroom has completely transformed! My students are so proud of their organized and welcoming space. The new desk has become a favorite reward—students can't wait to earn their turn to sit there during independent work time. Having a safe, sturdy space to write and learn has made that incentive even more meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe filing cabinet and hanging folders have helped students take real ownership of their work. They now love filing their finished assignments and seeing their progress build over time. The rotating supply holder has also been a huge success—it keeps our pencils, pens, and colored pencils easily accessible and encourages students to use materials responsibly.\r\n\r\nIt's incredible how something as simple as better organization can make students feel respected, independent, and motivated. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom feels brighter, safer, and more like a place where learning truly belongs to everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1724268139103,"projectUrl":"project/safe-and-organized-classrom/8333833/","projectTitle":"Safe and Organized Classrom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8180551_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637679506857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-coleman22"},{"teacherId":8180551,"projectId":8327226,"letterContent":"When our new rewards arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled! They couldn't wait to earn stickers, small toys, and slime for demonstrating respect and responsibility. The excitement and joy in their faces reminded me why positive reinforcement is so powerful.\r\n\r\nSince introducing these rewards, I've seen a noticeable shift in classroom behavior. Students are more eager to participate, help one another, and follow expectations. Even small acts of kindness—like sharing supplies or helping clean up—are now celebrated moments. These simple rewards have built a stronger sense of community and accountability in our room.\r\n\r\nIn a classroom of 40 students, it's not always easy to recognize every effort, but these materials have allowed me to do just that. Every sticker or small prize is a reminder that effort matters and kindness counts.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought smiles, motivation, and pride to my students each day. Thank you for helping me create a classroom where positive behavior is celebrated and every child feels valued and inspired to do their best.","fullyFundedDate":1715114610850,"projectUrl":"project/student-rewards-for-demonstrating-respec/8327226/","projectTitle":"Student Rewards for Demonstrating Respect and Responsibility","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8180551_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637679506857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-coleman22"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30360","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":368,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":89,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.3,"schoolId":30360,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Washington Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Washington Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/waukegan-community-unit-school-district-60/washington-elementary-school/30360"}