{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Belmont - Cragin Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1401268,"projectId":10179617,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for the magnificent, new books you have provided for my students. Being able to use this text creates a user friendly experience for my students and helps me as their teacher build their reading abilities. Ivan's story of tragedy and resilience is one that students grow in empathy and understanding. The text is large, but laid out in a creative way so the students want to keep turning and find out more. They attach to the characters in a different way since the main characters are animals. It allows them a unique perspective and blurs the lines between fiction and non fiction to some extents. \r\n\r\nAs a co-teacher within the general education classroom, and as a special education teacher my students are often exposed to text that is too challenging for them and they quickly disengage. This text supports learning in a way that keeps students open and talking. There is always something so nice about having fresh, new books, especially in a neighborhood where this is not always an option. The teacher's guide will allow me to monitor my student's progress as we read and provides me some great resources to help my teaching stay creative. Since I work with students across grade levels these materials also meet those needs. I can't wait to begin reading this book with my students and I am forever grateful to your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1776382957887,"projectUrl":"project/fun-easy-reading/10179617/","projectTitle":"Fun & Easy Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tucki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1401268_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762229597301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1401268"},{"teacherId":7906349,"projectId":10279599,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and providing my students with hands-on STEM and creative learning materials. The stencil set, magnetic community figures, LEGO bricks, and Brain Flakes have quickly become some of the most popular resources in our second-grade dual language classroom.\r\nMy students use these materials during STEM challenges, literacy activities, and collaborative learning centers. One of our favorite activities was a community-building project where students used the magnetic figures and LEGO bricks to design neighborhoods and explain the roles of community members. Students practiced speaking, listening, and problem-solving skills while working together to create and present their designs. The stencil set has also been a wonderful addition to writing and art activities, helping students express their ideas creatively.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were thrilled. They immediately began discussing what they could build and create. The excitement was contagious, and students eagerly worked together, shared ideas, and explored new ways to use the materials. It was wonderful to see their creativity and teamwork shine.\r\nAs we continue through the school year, students will use these resources during STEM projects focused on engineering, problem-solving, and design thinking. They will also support literacy and language development by encouraging students to describe, explain, and write about their creations in both English and Spanish. Thanks to your generosity, my students have engaging tools that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while making learning meaningful and fun.","fullyFundedDate":1785522155998,"projectUrl":"project/little-builders-big-ideas/10279599/","projectTitle":"Little Builders, Big Ideas","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7906349_orig.jpg?crop=1284,1284,x0,y222&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627519237300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/djromero3"},{"teacherId":7906349,"projectId":10102923,"letterContent":"The color printer has had a tremendous impact on my second-grade dual language classroom and has enhanced the learning experience for all of my students. Many people use printers at home for basic tasks, but in a classroom setting, a color printer serves as an essential instructional tool that helps make learning more engaging, accessible, and meaningful. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, I am now able to create high-quality instructional materials that support students' academic growth in both English and Spanish.\r\nOne of the greatest benefits of having a color printer is the ability to provide students with visually engaging learning resources. Young learners often rely on pictures, color-coding, and visual cues to make sense of new concepts. Whether I am teaching reading comprehension, vocabulary, science, social studies, or mathematics, color materials help students focus on important information and make connections more easily. In our dual language classroom, many students benefit from visual supports as they develop language skills in two languages. Color-coded vocabulary cards, graphic organizers, anchor charts, and learning centers allow students to access content with greater confidence and independence.\r\nThe new printer has also made classroom learning more exciting for my students. They love receiving colorful materials that capture their attention and spark their curiosity. Educational games, reading passages, hands-on activities, and project resources are much more engaging when students can clearly see pictures, diagrams, and highlighted information. Students are especially proud when their own work is printed in color and displayed around the classroom. Whether they are creating informational writing projects, illustrations, or presentations, they enjoy seeing their hard work showcased in a professional and vibrant way. This sense of pride motivates them to put forth their best effort and take ownership of their learning.\r\nSeveral students have especially warmed to this new technology. My bilingual learners and students who benefit from additional visual supports have shown noticeable growth in both engagement and understanding. For example, students who previously struggled to participate in independent activities are now more confident when using color-coded directions, vocabulary resources, and graphic organizers. The visual clarity provided by the color printer helps them navigate tasks successfully and stay focused on learning goals. I have also seen increased participation from students who are visual learners because the materials are easier for them to interpret and understand.\r\nBeyond academics, the printer has helped create a more inclusive classroom environment where all students can access learning in ways that meet their individual needs. It has allowed me to differentiate instruction more effectively and provide targeted supports for diverse learners. This project has done far more than provide a piece of technology, it has opened doors for creativity, engagement, and academic success. I am incredibly grateful to our donors for making this opportunity possible. Their generosity is helping my students learn, grow, and thrive every day, and the impact of this donation will continue to benefit future students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1778071831564,"projectUrl":"project/adding-color-to-curious-minds/10102923/","projectTitle":"Adding Color to Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7906349_orig.jpg?crop=1284,1284,x0,y222&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627519237300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/djromero3"},{"teacherId":7906349,"projectId":9387600,"letterContent":"We are integrating the materials across literacy, math, and STEM. The Play-Doh and clay tool kits are now part of our phonics and word study block. During a recent lesson on prefixes and base words, students used letter stamps to build words such as replay and untie, physically separating and combining word parts. This hands-on approach helped students better understand how words are formed. One powerful moment was watching a student who typically struggles with spelling confidently build and read a longer word using the dough letters. He paused, smiled, and said, \"I get it now!\" That moment alone showed how impactful tactile learning can be.\r\n\r\nOur Legos have been incorporated into STEM challenges. Recently, students worked in teams to design a bridge that could hold classroom objects. They planned, tested, redesigned, and reflected on what made their structures stronger. The collaboration and problem-solving conversations were incredible to hear.\r\n\r\nThe LCD writing tablets are used during math lessons for solving problems and explaining thinking. Students can easily erase and revise, they are more willing to take risks and try challenging problems.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students gasped at the bright Play-Doh colors and were eager to explore the LEGO sets. Many asked when they could begin building or creating. What stood out most was their sense of responsibility. Several students reminded one another to \"take care of our new supplies.\" They clearly understood these materials were special gifts, and they felt proud to use them.\r\n\r\nWe are about to begin a narrative writing unit where students will use Play-Doh to create story characters and settings before drafting their stories. This will help them visualize details and strengthen descriptive writing. In STEM, we will continue structured engineering challenges, asking students to plan designs on their LCD tablets before building with LEGO bricks. This process strengthens both critical thinking and creativity.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has allowed us to combine academic learning with hands-on exploration. These materials are building confidence, collaboration, and deeper understanding every day. Thank you for supporting our students and inspiring joyful, meaningful learning in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758821213760,"projectUrl":"project/speak-share-shine/9387600/","projectTitle":"Speak, Share, Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7906349_orig.jpg?crop=1284,1284,x0,y222&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627519237300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/djromero3"},{"teacherId":7906349,"projectId":9409582,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom. The new organizational resources have made a noticeable impact on our daily routines, student independence, and overall learning environment.\r\n\r\nWe are using these materials every single day. The portable storage caddies are placed at each table group and hold shared supplies such as pencils, glue sticks, scissors, and markers. This has made transitions smoother and reduced interruptions during lessons. During a recent informational writing project, students were able to quickly gather their materials and begin drafting without delays. Instead of asking for supplies or searching around the room, they stayed focused on planning, writing, and revising their work. The clear pencil boxes have also helped students take ownership of their personal supplies. Each child now has a designated space for their materials, which has reduced clutter and strengthened responsibility.\r\n\r\nThe large digital wall clock has been especially impactful. We regularly use the countdown timer during writing blocks, math practice, and small group rotations. For example, during a timed paragraph-writing session, students monitored the clock to pace themselves: drafting first, then revising, and finally editing before time ran out. Watching second graders independently manage their time has been incredibly rewarding. The clock has also improved transitions between activities, helping students move efficiently from one subject to another.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were drawn to the colorful caddies and loved seeing their name magnets displayed in the classroom. The digital clock quickly became a favorite feature. Many students were fascinated by the countdown timer and bright display. Several proudly organized their pencil boxes right away, carefully arranging their pencils, crayons, and erasers. It was clear that having structured, clearly defined spaces made them feel responsible and valued. One student even said, \"Now our classroom looks like a real office!\", a comment that made me smile because it showed their sense of pride.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build independence and collaboration. Our next step is beginning a small-group research project where students will gather information, organize their ideas, and create a visual presentation. Thanks to these new systems, students will be able to access materials quickly and focus on higher-level thinking skills such as discussion, planning, and creating. We will also continue strengthening time-management skills by using the digital timer during reading stamina practice and math problem-solving tasks. My goal is for students to internalize these routines so they can independently manage materials, transitions, and work time with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1752855999875,"projectUrl":"project/organized-minds-ready-to-shine/9409582/","projectTitle":"Organized Minds, Ready to Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7906349_orig.jpg?crop=1284,1284,x0,y222&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627519237300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/djromero3"},{"teacherId":7906349,"projectId":9385298,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in making it possible for our classroom to receive Scholastic News articles. Your support has truly enriched our learning environment and has given my second graders meaningful opportunities to grow as readers and thinkers.\r\n\r\nThese Scholastic News articles help us introduce and strengthen essential literacy skills such as identifying the main idea and key details, asking and answering questions, understanding nonfiction text features, building vocabulary, and making connections between text and the world around us. The articles focus on real-world topics, students also practice critical thinking skills by discussing current events, science concepts, and social studies themes in age-appropriate ways. \r\nReading in our classroom is an active and engaging experience. You might see students highlighting important information, turning and talking to partners, annotating text features, or participating in whole-group discussions. We often read together as a class and then break into small groups to dive deeper into comprehension skills. Students are encouraged to share their thinking, ask questions, and support their ideas with evidence from the text. It's wonderful to watch their confidence grow as they begin using academic vocabulary and reading strategies independently.\r\n\r\nSeveral students, in particular, have truly come alive with these new materials. Some of my more reluctant readers are especially engaged because the articles are visually appealing and connected to real-world topics they recognize. I have one student who eagerly raises his hand during every discussion because he loves sharing facts he has learned. Another student who sometimes struggles with longer books feels successful reading shorter, focused nonfiction articles and proudly participates in discussions. Seeing their excitement and confidence build has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience.","fullyFundedDate":1751335927804,"projectUrl":"project/extra-extra-scholastic-news-for-a-seco/9385298/","projectTitle":"Extra! Extra! Scholastic News for a Second Grade Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7906349_orig.jpg?crop=1284,1284,x0,y222&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627519237300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/djromero3"},{"teacherId":126602,"projectId":9625099,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my grant. I can never mention enough how validating it means to me ( and other teachers) that people see value in what we are doing at schools to improve student learning.\r\nFor me in particular, I know the supplies I asked for might seem simple, standard supplies however I have found them to be essential (especially stickers) in working with my students. The thick paper provides near perfect resistance for scissors to increase hand strength. The stiffness prevents flopping that can obstruct views and confuse new scissor learners. \r\nThe stickers, well, everyone loves stickers! \r\nEven my most resistive students have done their work in efforts to get rewards ( not 100% of time but most). Some have even started to develop negotiation skills in attempts to get more.\r\nThank you again, \r\nIt is TRUELY appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1762192833601,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-many-new-students/9625099/","projectTitle":"New year-Many New Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Evans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/126602"},{"teacherId":5217221,"projectId":8379341,"letterContent":"Students have been busy being 5th and 6th graders. Students have gone through consumables such as notebooks, paper and pencils. Thanks to your donation, our stock of pencils has been full. Students know exactly where to reach when they need pencils. Our students have plenty to worry about being kids but they do not have to worry about having pencils. Your donation represents a positive impact on their learning. Students have used pencils during out writing process and they have been busy using their imagination during our personal narrative unit.","fullyFundedDate":1715067756499,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-galore/8379341/","projectTitle":"Pencils Galore!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salgado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5217221_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535562641619","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/helpmrsalgado"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5567","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":519,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":93,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"21.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.9,"schoolId":5567,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Belmont - Cragin Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Belmont - Cragin Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/belmont-cragin-elementary-school/5567"}