{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bridge Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1867144,"projectId":9712618,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations and supporting our \"Little spot of feelings\" project for our classroom. We have been able to start talking about basic emotions in our class. Your generosity is helping our preschoolers learn to name, understand, and manage their emotions in a fun and meaningful way. These materials are already creating calmer moments, kinder interactions, and more confident learners. We are truly grateful for the impact you have made in our classroom and look forward to continuing the use of them in years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1757898760486,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-spot-of-feelings/9712618/","projectTitle":"A Little Spot of Feelings","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burgos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1867144_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548035327740","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-burgos"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":9846992,"letterContent":"Thank you for your kind and generous donation for big magnetic numbers that make a HUGE impact on student learning. We are forever grateful for you donating manipulatives that make a difference in students' critical thinking in math. They utilize these magnets daily for everything from number bonds, addition, subtraction, counting, number recognition, place value and more. These magnets are used in center and in whole group instruction. Thank you so much for making math fun again for all! We couldn't do it without you! We appreciate your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1762266264576,"projectUrl":"project/giant-math-numbers-for-big-results/9846992/","projectTitle":"Giant Math Numbers for Big Results!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8589432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665276575130","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9495605,"letterContent":"I am writing with immense gratitude to share how your generous contributions have fundamentally transformed our kindergarten classroom. Your gifts did not just provide supplies; they created a beautiful, cozy, and highly efficient learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to thrive.\r\n\r\nCreating Our Joyful, Cozy Seating\r\n\r\nOur students absolutely adore the new seating! The CordaRoy's Convertible Bean Bag Chair and the soft Wood Slice Pillows are now the most coveted spots in the room. It's not just furniture; it's a source of comfort and a safe, accessible space. Seeing them wiggle into the chair for quiet reading time or eagerly claim a pillow for our afternoon gathering has been heartwarming. This designated \"Cozy Seating\" has become our haven for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and quiet focus, visibly improving behavior and comfort during group lessons.\r\n\r\nLiteracy, Collaboration, and Fun\r\n\r\nWe've had such fun reading our new kindergarten books! Stories like The King of Kindergarten and KINDergarten instantly spark engaging conversations about kindness and empowerment. A recent highlight was reading Pencils on Strike together on the new, fluffy Deep-Green Shaggy Rug. The sheer delight and laughter when we read about the tired pencils was infectious. These books are fueling a genuine, lifelong love of reading in a cozy, beautiful environment.\r\n\r\nBeyond reading, the professional resource, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, is already impacting student interaction. By implementing the teaching practices outlined in this book, I am now structuring our math lessons to encourage far more collaboration opportunities. Students are working in randomized groups, solving problems at vertical surfaces, and talking through their mathematical thinking. This shift is replacing passive listening with active, joyful, and shared learning—a crucial skill they will use for years to come.\r\n\r\nEfficiency and Excellence That Never Quits\r\n\r\nThese resources also protect our daily instruction from common frustrations. The HP High Yield Toner Cartridge is a true classroom savior. While our school sometimes runs out of general ink, leaving lessons and printing needs hanging, our high-yield cartridge is printing strong! This reliability means zero interruption for the literacy materials, flashcards, and parent communications we print daily. This consistency is essential for keeping our instructional momentum high.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the Wagon has been a fantastic utility tool, making our trips and moving supplies for special projects simple and efficient. It allows us to extend our learning beyond the four walls of our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your belief in my teaching and the wonderful, bright future of these young learners. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1755719836047,"projectUrl":"project/kick-off-to-kindergarten/9495605/","projectTitle":"Kick Off to Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9382347,"letterContent":"I am writing to share my deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your contribution to our classroom project has already transformed the start of our kindergarten year, providing my students with tangible, joyful tools that are essential for building strong literacy and math foundations.\r\n\r\nThe day the materials arrived was filled with palpable excitement. When I unveiled the boxes containing the whole class set of Mini Math Stackers, I heard delighted gasps! Giving each student their own bright, personal set of manipulatives instantly gave them a sense of ownership and importance. They were eager to dive in, not realizing they were building mathematical understanding as they created colorful towers and practiced counting out small groups. It was a beautiful moment that instantly cemented their enthusiasm for hands-on math learning.\r\n\r\nThe new resources are central to our daily centers and one-on-one time. During our literacy block, the Hand2Mind Small Group Phonics Sets have been an absolute game-changer. I now have engaging, focused materials to work with students who need targeted instruction, allowing the rest of the class to work independently. At my table, students manipulate the letter tiles to build CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, physically connecting sounds to letters. I love seeing their eyes light up when they build a word like \"cat\" and realize, \"I can read this!\" This tailored, responsive instruction is key to closing early learning gaps, and your donation makes it possible every day.\r\n\r\nIn math, we are using the resources in a perfectly paired way. The whole class set of Mini Math Stackers ensures every student has a tool for hands-on learning. We couple this with the magnetic board from the small group set, which I use for modeling. I can demonstrate a problem—like composing the number ten—and the children immediately replicate it with their own personal stackers. This blend of whole-group visualization and individualized practice keeps every student engaged and provides instant feedback. The excitement they show when they grab their stackers for a lesson is truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and our students. You haven't just provided materials; you've given these young learners a strong, joyful foundation for their entire academic journey. We couldn't have done this without you.","fullyFundedDate":1748899415108,"projectUrl":"project/foundations-first-seeking-support-for-a/9382347/","projectTitle":"Foundations First: Seeking Support for a Strong Start in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":1867144,"projectId":9190001,"letterContent":"We want to take this time to thank our donors for your generous donations. We were able to provide our students with many hands on and engaging table toy options. Our students are learning to build and share with their friends. They are learning to work together to create new things. They are learning to deal with conflict with peers. They are learning to work together. They are learning to use their fine motors. They are learning trial and error when building and their towers fall and they need to try again. They are learning perseverance. Most of all....they are learning how to have fun in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746113025717,"projectUrl":"project/table-top-toys/9190001/","projectTitle":"Table Top Toys","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burgos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1867144_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548035327740","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-burgos"},{"teacherId":4770188,"projectId":9503303,"letterContent":"Having a carpet in the classroom can help students focus by creating a more comfortable and inviting learning environment. Carpets reduce noise levels, which minimizes distractions from footsteps and moving other classroom furniture around. This quieter atmosphere helps students concentrate better on their lessons. The sense of calm created by a softer, quieter space can also lower anxiety and promote a sense of security, both of which are crucial for sustained attention. My students love the carpet!\r\n\r\nSince receiving the carpet, we now have a designated space for group activities, and reading and math sessions. This has helped students transition more smoothly between different parts of the school day. My students especially benefit from having a defined, comfortable area where they can sit and engage directly with myself and/or peers without the distraction of shifting desks and chairs. Overall, a classroom carpet fosters both physical comfort and emotional readiness to learn, boosting students' ability to stay engaged.","fullyFundedDate":1754256051139,"projectUrl":"project/learning-in-style/9503303/","projectTitle":"Learning in Style!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Graham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4770188_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753570400058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4770188"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":9431079,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible donation to support a project near and dear to my heart.. the students are having a blast learning and growing in Math. They are engaged and learning and working together to solve math problems. helping guide them through questioning and creating tasks that align to math standards in our curriculum requires knowledge of how to use Building Thinking Classroom activities in a way that benefits students, yet also challenges them. This training will enable that for students. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1758122742121,"projectUrl":"project/give-the-gift-of-creating-awesome-math-h/9431079/","projectTitle":"Give the Gift of Creating Awesome Math Habits!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8589432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665276575130","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":9429060,"letterContent":"Our classroom is so incredibly blessed for the family, friends and others that we do not know that have contributed to this project. Our class is taking on a new fun and engaging challenge in math and the students absolutely love it! They are excited and love exploring math with many of the new tools. Their first reaction was pure joy. They have now become mini math explorers. \r\n\r\nWe are exploring math with vertical whiteboards throughout the year from Building Thinking Classrooms and exploring new ways to learn and review math concepts in our centers with the many new resources we now have. \r\n\r\nPlease enjoy the photos and know that this gift has impacted many students and increased their excitement and love for math.","fullyFundedDate":1756856131295,"projectUrl":"project/vertical-learning-mathematical-thinkin/9429060/","projectTitle":"Vertical Learning & Mathematical Thinking for Kindergarten Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8589432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665276575130","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9247719,"letterContent":"I'm writing to you today with a heart bursting with happiness and gratitude! The gifts of joy through books have been such an incredible blessing for my students. Thanks to your amazing support, our project is soaring, and the impact on my students has been truly magical. The books you helped us get aren't just books; they're like special keys unlocking new worlds. They've sparked so much curiosity and lit up a passion for reading that I get to watch grow every single day. My students absolutely love these books and are always grabbing for more – they can't get enough!\r\n\r\nMany of you love to read, just like us, but might wonder how these new books actually help kids learn. Well, these books are teaching my students so many cool things! \r\n\r\nIn my classroom, reading isn't quiet and still; it's alive and full of energy! Sometimes, students pick their own books and get lost in them – it's wonderful to see them choose their own adventures. Other times, we gather in small reading groups to chat about our books, sharing ideas and helping each other understand even more. I also love to read aloud to the class, sharing exciting stories and showing them how to find joy in every word. Our classroom library, now overflowing with your amazing donations, is always buzzing! Students are always Browse, sharing recommendations, and excitedly checking out new books.\r\n\r\nIt's just the best to see how each student connects with these new books.\r\n\r\nYour gifts have done so much more than just fill our shelves; they've opened up a world of possibilities and lit up a lifelong love of reading in my students. We are so incredibly thankful for your ongoing kindness and for being such a huge part of their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1744248382547,"projectUrl":"project/books-of-joy/9247719/","projectTitle":"Books of Joy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9049273,"letterContent":"Your generous contributions have brought cutting-edge technology into our classrooms, fundamentally transforming how our students learn. Just like at home, this technology makes learning more engaging and accessible. Students can now visualize complex science through interactive simulations or create multimedia presentations in language arts, boosting their research and public speaking skills. This hands-on approach helps every student grasp difficult concepts at their own pace and provides instant feedback, allowing teachers to tailor instruction more effectively.","fullyFundedDate":1736902573961,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-together-bridging-worlds-throu/9049273/","projectTitle":"Level Up Together: Bridging Worlds Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9052446,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredibly generous contributions, our new book bins and storage units have fundamentally transformed our classroom into a more organized, predictable, and ultimately, nurturing environment for our students. We are using these resources daily to manage our extensive classroom library and various learning materials. Each book bin is now clearly labeled by genre, reading level, or topic, making it easy for students to locate and return books independently. The storage units allow us to neatly categorize and store manipulatives, art supplies, and project materials, keeping our learning space clutter-free and visually appealing. This increased organization directly supports our classroom expectations for students to be responsible for their learning materials and to maintain a tidy environment.\r\n\r\nA specific example of how this has impacted our students is our new \"Expert Readers\" project. Previously, finding books for a particular topic could be a time-consuming scramble. Now, with the clearly labeled bins, students can independently browse and select books related to their chosen \"expert\" topic, whether it's dinosaurs, space, or historical figures. This fosters a greater sense of ownership over their learning and reduces frustration, allowing them to dive deeper into their research without unnecessary delays. The ease of access also encourages more spontaneous reading and exploration during independent work time.","fullyFundedDate":1736901199278,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-order/9052446/","projectTitle":"Warmth + Order","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9065272,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous contributions, the new technology we've implemented is significantly enhancing our students' learning experiences. Many of you use technology daily at home, and while its application in schools might seem different, the core benefit is the same: it makes learning more engaging and accessible. Our students are now able to interact with concepts in dynamic ways that traditional methods couldn't offer. For example, complex scientific processes can be visualized through interactive simulations, bringing abstract ideas to life. In language arts, students can create multimedia presentations that not only improve their research skills but also foster creativity and public speaking abilities. This hands-on approach caters to various learning styles, allowing students to grasp difficult material more effectively and at their own pace. The technology also provides immediate feedback, helping students identify areas where they need more practice and allowing teachers to tailor their instruction more precisely.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect of this new product for our students is its interactivity and the personalized learning opportunities it provides. They love the feeling of control and the ability to explore topics that genuinely interest them. We've seen a noticeable increase in enthusiasm during lessons that incorporate the new tools. Beyond academics, this technology has also proven to be a fantastic motivator and reward in the classroom. Students are incredibly excited by the prospect of earning time with the new tech. We've also successfully used access to this technology as a highly sought-after item in our silent auction, which has been instrumental in raising additional funds for our school while further incentivizing student engagement. The competitive yet collaborative nature of some of the applications has also fostered a new level of teamwork and problem-solving among peers.\r\n\r\n\r\nI'm incredibly grateful for your continued support, which directly translates into these impactful experiences for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1737423665475,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-through-rewards-and-play/9065272/","projectTitle":"Level Up: Through Rewards and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5326","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1103,"numTeachers":56,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":32,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.4,"schoolId":5326,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bridge Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bridge Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/bridge-elementary-school/5326"}