{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bridge Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":10094939,"letterContent":"The training in the Science of Writing has shifted my focus toward the foundational mechanics of how children learn to express themselves on paper. By moving beyond simple \"creative writing\" and focusing on the cognitive processes involved—like transcription skills and sentence construction—I've seen a huge leap in my students' ability to communicate.\r\nUsing a structured approach means my kindergarteners aren't just memorizing words; they are learning how to build them. They are currently thriving by:\r\n\r\nEncoding with Purpose: Instead of just drawing, they are using their knowledge of letter-sound relationships to \"encode\" (spell) words to label their pictures.\r\n\r\nDeveloping Stamina: Because they understand the \"how\" behind writing, they are excited to extend their work, adding more details and labels to their drawings than ever before.\r\n\r\nMy students are gaining the confidence to move from single labels to complete thoughts, using the structured tools we now have in the classroom.\r\n\r\n\r\nA few days ago, a student was drawing a picture of a park. In the past, she might have just drawn a tree and moved on. This time, she stopped, tapped out the sounds /t/ /r/ /ee/, and carefully wrote the letters next to her drawing. She then added a sun, a cat, and even wrote, \"The cat is on the mat.\" She was so proud to show me how her labels told a whole story. It was a perfect example of how the \"Science of Writing\" gives kids the literal tools to turn their thoughts into text.\r\n\r\n\r\nI am eager to continue growing my skills in Sentence Level Writing Instruction. I want to help my students understand the \"grammar\" of a sentence—how a naming part and an action part come together. I'm particularly looking forward to our upcoming unit on Animals, where we will practice writing factual labels and simple sentences to describe different habitats. Thank you for supporting our journey toward becoming confident writers!","fullyFundedDate":1771024113807,"projectUrl":"project/the-science-of-writing-training/10094939/","projectTitle":"The Science of Writing Training","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":8589432,"projectId":10030669,"letterContent":"I am beyond grateful for your generous support of our \"Lights, Camera, Learning!\" project. Because of you, my students now have the tools to literally bring their voices to life.\r\n\r\nIn a classroom of young learners, building confidence is everything. The voice amplifier will be a game-changer for my soft-spoken students during morning meetings, and the green screen and tripod will turn our science reports and \"Author's Chair\" storytelling into professional-grade productions. These aren't just gadgets—they are tools that transform a child's self-perception from \"student\" to \"creator\" and \"expert.\"\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our Chicago classroom and for showing my 22 students that their voices and stories are worth being heard and shared.","fullyFundedDate":1775347702116,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-learning-bringing-stude/10030669/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Learning! Bringing Student Voices to Life","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=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":10038824,"letterContent":"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your support of our project, \"Research-Based Writing Curriculum to Build Confident, Skilled Writers.\"\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we know that writing is a vital life skill, but it is also one of the most complex tasks for young learners. Because of your generosity, my students will now have access to a systematic, evidence-based curriculum that breaks down writing into manageable, successful steps. Instead of feeling frustrated by a blank page, they will have the tools to organize their thoughts, build strong sentences, and share their unique voices with the world.\r\n\r\nYour investment in our literacy block doesn't just provide materials—it provides confidence. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping us bridge the gap to create equitable learning opportunities for every child in our room.","fullyFundedDate":1775066721561,"projectUrl":"project/research-based-writing-curriculum-to-bui/10038824/","projectTitle":"Research-Based Writing Curriculum to Build Confident, Skilled Writers","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=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":10079641,"letterContent":"This project directly supports students in building a strong foundation in early literacy by helping them move from recognizing letters to becoming confident writers. Through engaging materials and hands-on resources, students are able to practice letter formation, develop phonics skills, and begin expressing their ideas through writing.\r\n\r\nThe students love hearing these read-alouds and having their own version of the story Alpert to read in the library. Learning about writing has become fun and engaging! Students are able to relate to the stories and brainstorm so many writing ideas. Most important, writing has become fun and interesting to them. Students want to write! They are able to add more details to their writing and pictures because they remember what Alpert said or how a scribble can become a drawing from our story \"Scribble, Scrabble.\"\r\n\r\nThank you for making writing become alive within the hearts of students.","fullyFundedDate":1773841920823,"projectUrl":"project/from-learning-letters-to-writing-stories/10079641/","projectTitle":"From Learning Letters to Writing Stories: Building Confident Kindergarten Writers","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=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":10094932,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring Science of Writing books into our kindergarten classroom. These books have made a powerful impact on my students' learning and excitement about writing. My kindergarteners absolutely love them and often ask me to read them every single day. The engaging stories and clear connections between sounds, letters, and writing help students understand how words are built and how they can use those sounds in their own writing.\r\nBecause of these books, my students are becoming more confident writers. They are beginning to stretch out words, listen for sounds, and apply phonics strategies as they write. I have seen tremendous growth in their ability to form letters, spell simple words, and express their ideas on paper. Their writing has truly soared, and many students who were once hesitant to write are now eager to share their work.\r\nThese books have helped create a classroom where writing feels exciting, achievable, and meaningful. Thank you for supporting tools that help young learners develop strong literacy foundations and a lifelong love of reading and writing.","fullyFundedDate":1771027953023,"projectUrl":"project/from-the-mouth-of-babes-onto-paper/10094932/","projectTitle":"From the mouth of babes onto paper.","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":10006876,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for the generous donations that helped bring these hands-on learning tools into my kindergarten classroom. My students have truly benefited from the engaging materials, and it has been wonderful to watch their excitement as they explore and learn.\r\nThe Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs and Junior Learning Alphabet Arc Bubble Board have become favorites during our literacy block. These tools help students practice letter recognition and connect sounds to letters in a visual and tactile way. My kindergarteners love using the bubbles and manipulatives as they build words and practice phonemic awareness. Tools like the hand2mind Little Minds at Work Sound Segmenting Trays and Sort That Sound! Activity Set make sound segmenting interactive and help my students develop essential early reading skills aligned with the Science of Reading.\r\nIn math, the Learning Resources Geometric Shapes Building Set, Learning Resources Geometric Solids, and Learning Resources View-Thru Geometric Solids allow students to explore shapes and spatial reasoning through hands-on discovery. The hand2mind Place Value Frame with Base Ten Blocks has helped introduce number sense in a concrete way, making abstract math concepts easier for young learners to understand.\r\nStudents also love our interactive learning games like the Splash! Jr. Alphabet Game and the Midway Monsters Jumbo Oversized Playing Cards, which turn practice into fun and collaborative learning experiences. Sensory tools such as the hand2mind Letter Tracing Sensory Pad support students who learn best through touch and movement.\r\nEven small organizational tools like the TidyFriend Magnetic Towel Holder help keep our classroom materials accessible and organized so students can focus on learning.\r\nBecause of your generosity, my kindergarteners are able to learn through play, movement, and exploration every day. These resources support literacy, math, and critical thinking skills while building confidence and joy in learning. Thank you for investing in my students and helping create a classroom environment where curiosity and growth thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1768532393904,"projectUrl":"project/multi-sensory-and-hands-on-ways-to-make/10006876/","projectTitle":"Multi-Sensory and Hands on Ways to Make Learning Fun!","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":8589432,"projectId":9928159,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom iPad. This iPad has become a powerful tool in our literacy instruction, especially during small-group learning. It allows students to engage with interactive reading activities, practice foundational skills, and receive immediate feedback that supports their growth as readers.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I am able to differentiate instruction more effectively and meet students where they are in their literacy development. Your kindness is making a meaningful difference every day, and my students are more motivated, confident, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our readers' success","fullyFundedDate":1770864090375,"projectUrl":"project/adding-technology-to-power-literacy-and/9928159/","projectTitle":"Adding Technology to Power Literacy and Small Group Learning","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=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":10307139,"projectId":9813428,"letterContent":"It's been quite the adventure using our new items. Our Galaxy tent has been our new home! Not only is it used to stargaze with our new projector. We use light up gel boards to draw weekly letters.\r\n Our STEM room has been transformed into a an Aquarium. We are working on hanging our fiber optic lights to illuminate a corner of the room. \r\n With our frigid temperatures, we've been spending a lot of time indoors and our sensory pod swing has been the biggest hit! The students are starting to love the indoor recess. \r\n Now that we have more tools and resources. We are able to make different areas throughout the school calming and functional. Both buildings have access to such spaces regardless of which level your on or building your in.\r\n Thank you all for your donations, helping me find spaces, and your suggestions. I truly appreciate it.","fullyFundedDate":1762495616807,"projectUrl":"project/building-better-worlds-for-every-mind/9813428/","projectTitle":"Building Better Worlds for Every Mind","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10307139_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761610539050","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10307139"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":10009931,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of you, my students now have access to resources that will make a meaningful difference in their learning each and every day.\r\nThese materials will help create engaging, hands-on experiences that support strong foundational skills and foster confidence, creativity, and a love of learning. Your kindness allows my students to learn in ways that are developmentally appropriate, research-based, and joyful.\r\nMy class and I are truly grateful for your investment in our education. Your support shows our students that there are people beyond our classroom who believe in them and care about their success. Thank you for being a part of our learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1770065504967,"projectUrl":"project/strategic-games-for-math-reading-and-c/10009931/","projectTitle":"Strategic Games for Math, Reading, and Critical Thinking","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=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":487720,"projectId":9788099,"letterContent":"Seeing the students' faces when they first saw the jerseys was a moment I won't forget. In the past, our athletes had to wear old shirts or mesh pinnies, which felt more like gym class than a team. When I showed them the new jerseys, they were so excited. They felt like a true part of the school community. One student mentioned that they finally felt like a \"real\" athlete, and you could see that sense of belonging and pride take over the entire group.\r\n\r\nWe are about to start the season, and the timing couldn't be better. Because of your generosity, they'll be stepping onto that court for the first time next month looking and feeling like champions. Thank you for making this experience possible for our 5th and 6th graders!","fullyFundedDate":1762821754392,"projectUrl":"project/jerseys-to-build-team-spirit-and-confide/9788099/","projectTitle":"Jerseys to Build Team Spirit and Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banaszek","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/487720"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":10018196,"letterContent":"Thank you for contributing to writers of the future. Thus course provide explicit training and materials to implement immediately with students in order for them to become better writers, as well as readers. This training helps me become a better dedicator and able to explicitly teach writing every year and will benefit many students for years to come. The students are already been fitting of materials presented in this training. They are able to write more independently. An incredible writing journey that they have begun! Thank you for allowing them access to better tools!","fullyFundedDate":1768567739783,"projectUrl":"project/elevate-writing-with-the-science-of-writ/10018196/","projectTitle":"Elevate Writing With the Science of Writing","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=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":9925290,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting us as we navigate math, science and literacy this year. The students were so excited to receive the whiteboards. We use them daily! Each student has their own that they are responsible for. It is so incredible to be able to change out and customize these boards to what we are learning and watch as the students apply these skills in the classroom. \r\n\r\nThanks for making learning fun and engaging for all students. Thank you for making them feel pride in the work that they do and providing an essential tool that will last for students years to come. We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1767881232205,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-students-engaged-with-whiteboard/9925290/","projectTitle":"Keeping Students Engaged With Whiteboards That Can Be Customized!","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=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"}],"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":74.3,"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"}