{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Washington Irving Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8877799,"projectId":9593408,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and faculty, thank you for your generous support of this year's Spelling Bee. Your donations were a vital catalyst for our success, drawing 12 more participants in our school competition than last year, and fueling a high-energy competition that lasted a remarkable 25 rounds. This year's podium represented a true cross-section of our school, with a 5th grader taking first place, followed by 6th and 8th-grade students in second and third. More importantly, your contribution fostered a culture of collaboration where students worked diligently to help their peers study and cheered one another on throughout the event.\r\n\r\nIn the classroom, the new headphones and tablet has revolutionized how our students prepare. They use the headphones and tablet to help with focusing in class, readings, and even talking to English Learner peers. While technology is often used at home for entertainment, in our school, it serves as an interactive bridge to mastery; the students are most excited by the real-time feedback and gamified word lists that turn a difficult task into an engaging challenge. We've seen particularly shy students thrive from their success in the Spelling Bee and with the technology that has had a direct impact, as the digital practice gave them the private confidence they needed to eventually stand on stage and compete. Thank you for providing the tools and incentives that make these milestones possible.\r\n\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1763124537732,"projectUrl":"project/word-warriors-fundraiser/9593408/","projectTitle":"Word Warriors Fundraiser","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8877799_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709337384950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8877799"},{"teacherId":8655498,"projectId":9716252,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom. This is my first year teaching in CPS and I deeply appreciate the help. I truly have the best group of Kindergarteners, thank you for helping make our year even brighter!\r\n\r\nI am SO excited to have a colored printer in our classroom. This will be so helpful for printing last minute copies. I am especially excited to make classroom decorations that are engaging and colorful. It is especially helpful for all the visuals we use in Kindergarten.\r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1764598857493,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-copies/9716252/","projectTitle":"Colorful Copies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bequette","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655498_orig.jpg?crop=411,412,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670862468218","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8655498"},{"teacherId":8655498,"projectId":9716222,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom. This is my first year teaching in CPS and I deeply appreciate the help. I truly have the best group of Kindergarteners, thank you for helping make our year even brighter!\r\n\r\nFun Friday is a big day in our classroom. My students look forward to it each week. For my incentive, they earn pom poms for following expectations. If they earn 20, they get to pick a prize! They LOVED to see the prize box filled up! They especially have loved the squishy animals.\r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1758221847568,"projectUrl":"project/prize-box-fun/9716222/","projectTitle":"Prize Box Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bequette","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655498_orig.jpg?crop=411,412,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670862468218","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8655498"},{"teacherId":9878575,"projectId":9310064,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to our DonorsChoose project for classroom snacks. Your kindness has truly made a difference for my kindergarteners. Having snacks available each day has helped my students stay focused, happy, and ready to learn — especially those who sometimes come to school without one. It's amazing how something as simple as a healthy snack can change the energy in the room and bring smiles to little faces.\r\n\r\nSnack time has become a special moment in our day. My students look forward to it, and it's turned into a time where we slow down, talk, and connect as a class. They feel cared for, and they know that someone out there believes in them and wants them to succeed. That means so much — to them, and to me.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom and for helping me give my students what they need to learn and grow. Your generosity has brought comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging to my little learners, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1753199267733,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-snacks-for-young-st/9310064/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds: Snacks for Young Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Purcell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9878575_orig.jpg?crop=2266,2266,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734570703137","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9878575"},{"teacherId":8877799,"projectId":9136662,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous support of our growing STEM library. Your contributions have opened the door to new learning experiences by providing our students with access to a rich and diverse collection of books—ranging from imaginative fiction to engaging scientific and historical texts. This literary variety allows our students not only to enjoy stories that spark creativity, but also to dive into factual content that builds knowledge, curiosity, and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nHaving access to scientific and historical texts at a young age can be truly life-changing. These books introduce students to complex ideas in a way that's accessible and exciting. For many of our learners, this is their first encounter with topics like engineering, astronomy, or ancient civilizations—and it's planting the seeds of future passions. \r\n\r\nWhether it's the story of a groundbreaking invention or the biography of a trailblazing scientist, these books inspire students to dream about who they might become and how they might shape the world.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our students now have a place where those dreams can begin. Your support isn't just filling shelves—it's expanding horizons. We thank you sincerely, and our students thank you, too. This is just the beginning of what will grow into a space that nurtures curiosity and encourages lifelong learning.","fullyFundedDate":1750387609318,"projectUrl":"project/including-stem-in-our-literary-journeys/9136662/","projectTitle":"Including STEM in our Literary Journeys","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8877799_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709337384950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8877799"},{"teacherId":8877799,"projectId":9136380,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for your generous contributions toward the creation of our new quiet space for students.\r\nBecause of your support, we've been able to create more than just a room—we've built a refuge for focus, reflection, and learning. The new bookcases and printer have added not only functionality but also the foundation for what will grow into our very own STEM and history library. These are the first steps in a space that will continue to expand knowledge and spark curiosity for years to come.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our study space now accommodates up to 23 students at a time—meaning we can now support nearly a third of our student population in one peaceful, dedicated environment. That's a powerful change in just our first year of rebuilding, and we owe it all to you.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our mission and for investing in the future of our students. We are truly grateful, and we look forward to sharing all the ways this space will continue to grow, evolve, and serve our young learners","fullyFundedDate":1746752256754,"projectUrl":"project/a-room-to-foster-a-love-for-literacy-pt/9136380/","projectTitle":"A Room to Foster A Love for Literacy (Pt. 1)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8877799_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709337384950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8877799"},{"teacherId":9903361,"projectId":9327788,"letterContent":"I'm writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our project, \"Celebrating Success: End-of-Year Treats and Rewards.\" Thanks to your support, we were able to give our students a truly special and memorable end to the school year.\r\n\r\nYour donations provided the resources for well-deserved treats and small rewards that acknowledged our students' hard work, resilience, and achievements throughout the year. We used these resources to host a fantastic \"Celebration Day\" during the last week of school. Each student received a personalized \"Achievement Certificate\" and had the chance to choose from a selection of fun treats and small prizes, ranging from special snacks to fun school supplies and small games.\r\n\r\nThe moment the students walked into the classroom on Celebration Day was absolutely priceless. Their eyes lit up, and a buzz of excitement filled the room. Many gasped with delight, pointing out their favorite treats and excitedly chattering with their friends about what they would choose. One student, Dava, who had worked incredibly hard to improve her reading this year, beamed as she picked out a new chapter book and a bag of her favorite candy. \"This is the best day ever!\" she exclaimed, a huge smile on her face. It was incredibly rewarding to see their joy and to know that your generosity made such a tangible difference in their spirits.\r\n\r\nThis project not only provided a delightful send-off but also reinforced the idea that their efforts are seen, valued, and celebrated. As we look ahead to the next school year, the positive impact of this celebration will carry forward. We plan to build on this spirit of recognition by implementing a new \"Monthly Milestone\" program, where students will earn small rewards throughout the year for achieving personal and academic goals, culminating in another exciting end-of-year celebration.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for being a vital part of our school community and for helping us make our students feel truly special.","fullyFundedDate":1746785725048,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-success-end-of-year-treats/9327788/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Success: End-of-Year Treats and Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903361_orig.jpg?crop=592,592,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739282812961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903361"},{"teacherId":9915113,"projectId":9094814,"letterContent":"The project \"Encouraging Positive Behavior & Learning Through Rewards\" has had a transformative impact on my students. From the moment they saw the treats and toys on display, their faces lit up with excitement and anticipation. This immediate boost in motivation is carried into their behavior and learning habits. Students began to take ownership of their actions, showing kindness to others, following classroom expectations, and putting more effort into their school work. \r\nThe reward became not just an incentive, but a symbol of their progress and achievement, reinforcing the idea that positive behavior and hard work are valued and recognized.","fullyFundedDate":1746186535608,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-positive-behavior-learning/9094814/","projectTitle":"Encouraging Positive Behavior & Learning Through Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Juariza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9915113_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738595961430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9915113"},{"teacherId":9878575,"projectId":9012778,"letterContent":"Your donation has made such a difference in our classroom! My students look forward to snack time everyday. They sometimes even ask to bring one home. Snack time with the snacks provided by you provide with a happy and fulfilling break in our day.\r\n\r\nBecause of the snacks my student are so much happier. Their bellies are getting full with sets them up for success to learn. The snacks are helping their bodies stay happy and healthy in this critical time of development for children. They are learning so much and need fuel to do so, which are are making possible! Thank you!!!","fullyFundedDate":1734842967982,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-snacks-for-kinders/9012778/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds: Snacks for Kinders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Purcell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9878575_orig.jpg?crop=2266,2266,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734570703137","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9878575"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5452","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":272,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":81,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.0,"schoolId":5452,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Washington Irving Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Washington Irving Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/washington-irving-elementary-school/5452"}