{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Budlong Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9904208,"projectId":9614515,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our classroom project. Your contribution has made an immediate and meaningful difference for our students. \r\n\r\nWith this resource, our students are more engaged, confident, and excited to learn. The vibrant visuals help them better understand new vocabulary, follow instructions, and express their ideas. For some of our learners, these resources open doors to comprehension that words alone could not. Every day, we see students making new connections, participating more actively, and taking pride in their work.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has truly brightened our classroom and empowered our learners. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and for the positive impact you have made on their education.","fullyFundedDate":1756065009468,"projectUrl":"project/see-second-grade-in-color/9614515/","projectTitle":"See Second Grade in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carrillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9904208"},{"teacherId":2148071,"projectId":9712498,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has full access to Reading A–Z, and the impact on students' reading growth has been remarkable. From the very first week, students were excited to explore books that matched their individual reading levels, and that enthusiasm has translated into real progress.\r\n\r\nBecause Reading A–Z offers differentiated texts, my students are now able to read books that are just right for them—challenging enough to promote growth, yet accessible enough to build confidence. Many reluctant readers have become noticeably more motivated, often asking if they can read \"just one more book.\" Students who once struggled to finish a text are now completing books independently and participating more actively in discussions.\r\n\r\nThe program's interactive features and comprehension resources have strengthened critical skills such as vocabulary, fluency, and understanding of informational texts. I've seen measurable improvement during small-group reading sessions: students are decoding more accurately, demonstrating deeper comprehension, and moving up reading levels more quickly than before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, my students feel like readers. They are proud of their growth, and that pride is a direct result of the opportunities your donation made possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and giving my students the tools they need to thrive. Your support truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1758821010713,"projectUrl":"project/raz-kids-online-leveled-reading/9712498/","projectTitle":"RAZ-Kids Online Leveled Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dunskus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2148071_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1460236748117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dunskus"},{"teacherId":2148071,"projectId":9651015,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has full access to Reading A–Z, and the impact on students' reading growth has been remarkable. From the very first week, students were excited to explore books that matched their individual reading levels, and that enthusiasm has translated into real progress.\r\n\r\nBecause Reading A–Z offers differentiated texts, my students are now able to read books that are just right for them—challenging enough to promote growth, yet accessible enough to build confidence. Many reluctant readers have become noticeably more motivated, often asking if they can read \"just one more book.\" Students who once struggled to finish a text are now completing books independently and participating more actively in discussions.\r\n\r\nThe program's interactive features and comprehension resources have strengthened critical skills such as vocabulary, fluency, and understanding of informational texts. I've seen measurable improvement during small-group reading sessions: students are decoding more accurately, demonstrating deeper comprehension, and moving up reading levels more quickly than before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, my students feel like readers. They are proud of their growth, and that pride is a direct result of the opportunities your donation made possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and giving my students the tools they need to thrive. Your support truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1757429189051,"projectUrl":"project/ixl-differentiated-learning-suite/9651015/","projectTitle":"IXL Differentiated Learning Suite","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dunskus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2148071_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1460236748117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dunskus"},{"teacherId":5673708,"projectId":9684558,"letterContent":"I wanted to update you on how much my students are loving the resources from this Donors Choose project in STEAM classes. It is so incredible to see their faces light up and smiles as they enter our STEAM space and see all the materials. They are learning to collaborate and problem solve as they share and work with the materials. Our STEAM class is giving them a comfortable space where they are learning that mistakes are opportunities to learn from, as they revise and redesign their plans. It has been amazing to see how encouraging they are to each other as they problem solve together. We've been able to do both hands-on and digital challenges, thanks to your generosity. Your donations have enriched their learning experiences, and we're so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1758769079325,"projectUrl":"project/full-steam-ahead-cultivating-curiosity/9684558/","projectTitle":"Full STEAM Ahead: Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Slade","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5673708_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534015405291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5673708"},{"teacherId":2510258,"projectId":9605132,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of our Illuminating Learning project, our classroom has truly come alive with color, light, and creativity. The new light table and manipulatives have become a daily centerpiece of exploration, and I am thrilled to share how these resources are being used to spark curiosity and hands-on learning among my preschoolers.\r\n\r\nFrom the very first moment the light table was turned on, the room filled with gasps of excitement and wide-eyed wonder. Several children immediately gathered around, placing their hands on the glowing surface, fascinated by how the light seemed to make their fingers \"shine.\" Within minutes, they were exploring how translucent shapes changed colors when layered together. One little scientist proudly announced, \"I made purple!\" after mixing red and blue pieces—an early and joyful experiment in color theory that perfectly captured the spirit of discovery this project was meant to inspire.\r\n\r\nWe've since integrated the light table into many areas of our curriculum. During our Shapes and Shadows unit, students used the manipulatives to build glowing towers and patterns, then drew what they created on paper to connect art and geometry. In science, they explored how light interacts with different materials, testing which objects let light through and which ones blocked it. We even used natural items like leaves and stones, encouraging observation and conversation about textures and transparency. The children are learning to make predictions, test ideas, and communicate their findings—important foundational skills for future STEAM learning.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our young learners involve expanding their investigations into storytelling and design. We'll soon be introducing translucent letters and numbers, encouraging the children to build glowing words and count with color. We're also planning a Light and Nature project where students will use the table to examine natural materials they collect outside and document their discoveries through drawing and photography.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I see my students becoming more confident, inquisitive, and collaborative learners because of the tools you helped provide. Your generosity has not only brightened our classroom—it has illuminated new pathways for learning and imagination. Thank you for believing in the power of hands-on, joyful education.","fullyFundedDate":1757540699178,"projectUrl":"project/luminous-learning/9605132/","projectTitle":"Luminous Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Azose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-azose"},{"teacherId":5673708,"projectId":9590074,"letterContent":"I wanted to update you on how much my students are loving the resources from this Donors Choose project in STEAM classes. It is so incredible to see all their smiling faces as they enter our STEAM space and see all the materials. I surveyed the students at the start of the year, and these materials have allowed me to meet the students' interests and skills in really fun ways! Students are learning to persevere as they build and create. They are learning to collaborate and problem solve as they share and work with the materials. Students are developing their identities as makers as they go through engineering design processes to build prototypes. Our STEAM class is giving them a comfortable space where they are learning that mistakes are opportunities to learn from, as they revise and redesign their plans. It has been amazing to see how encouraging they are to each other as they problem solve together. \r\nThank you so much for your generosity. Your donations have enriched their learning experiences, and we're so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1757553265556,"projectUrl":"project/full-steam-ahead-cultivating-curiosity/9590074/","projectTitle":"Full STEAM Ahead: Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Slade","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5673708_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534015405291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5673708"},{"teacherId":3052987,"projectId":9204293,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our classroom kitchen. Your donation has already made a remarkable difference in the daily lives of my kindergarten students. \r\n\r\nOne of the most delightful parts of having the classroom kitchen is seeing the pure creativity that comes out of it. My students dream up the most elaborate and silly recipes—ones that no cookbook could ever capture! Who wouldn't smile at the thought of a hotdog topped with a generous scoop of ice cream, served on a plate decorated with imaginary sprinkles? Or a \"five-course meal\" that includes pizza, pancakes, spaghetti, and cupcakes all at once? To them, there are no rules in the kitchen, only opportunities to imagine, build, and play.","fullyFundedDate":1742823885924,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-chefs-a-play-kitchen-for-future-m/9204293/","projectTitle":"Tiny Chefs – A Play Kitchen for Future Michelin Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kemerling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3052987_orig.png?crop=272,272,x9,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655462591318","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kemerling"},{"teacherId":8927945,"projectId":9448619,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness and contributions, the Budlong Art Room has become a calming, colorful and safe place for students to create and learn! We are currently starting a painting unit with the watercolor and tempura paints provided from this project and the wonder and joy these students get from painting is nothing short of magical! Our preschool students are especially having a blast learning how to mix the primary colors together to make the secondary colors and it has been so much fun!\r\n\r\nArt is such an important part of student's education and it has been so special to see these students thrive in the art room after not having a creative outlet for the past few years. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for helping give my students the art room they deserve!","fullyFundedDate":1752407377709,"projectUrl":"project/making-happy-little-accidents/9448619/","projectTitle":"Making Happy Little Accidents","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shafer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927945_orig.png?crop=708,708,x147,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751901489456","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927945"},{"teacherId":5673708,"projectId":9542205,"letterContent":"I wanted to update you on how much my students are loving the resources from this Donors Choose project in STEAM classes. It is so incredible to see their faces light up and smiles as they enter our STEAM space and see all the materials. \r\nPrimary grade students are learning to persevere as they build and create. They are learning to collaborate and problem solve as they share and work with the materials. Upper grade students are taking on the roles of engineers as they go through engineering design processes to build prototypes. Our STEAM class is giving them a comfortable space where they are learning that mistakes are opportunities to learn from, as they revise and redesign their plans. It has been amazing to see how encouraging they are to each other as they problem solve together. \r\nThank you so much for your generosity. Your donations have enriched their learning experiences, and we're so appreciative!","fullyFundedDate":1754871192674,"projectUrl":"project/steam-lab-cultivating-curiosity-creat/9542205/","projectTitle":"STEAM Lab: Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Slade","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5673708_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534015405291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5673708"},{"teacherId":2510258,"projectId":9604068,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project, Curious Minds at Work: Bringing STEAM into the Classroom. Thanks to your kindness, our preschoolers are now exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math in ways that spark genuine excitement and discovery every single day.\r\n\r\nYour donations helped us create hands-on learning centers where children can experiment, build, and imagine. With the new magnetic toys, manipulatives our little scientists have been busy investigating the natural world—observing how magnets work, allowing for cooperative play and exploring new building materials. The engineering materials you helped us purchase—blocks, magnetic tiles, and simple machines—have inspired endless creativity. We've seen bridges, towers, and even an \"animal hospital\" designed and tested by four-year-olds who are learning about balance, structure, and teamwork in the most joyful way.\r\n\r\nThe art and technology components have added an extra spark to our classroom. The individual playdoh allowed children to experiment with shapes, patterns, and symmetry while integrating technology into creative expression — each one unique, full of imagination, and a wonderful blend of science and art.\r\n\r\nWhat makes these moments truly special is watching how confident and curious the children have become. They're asking deeper questions, collaborating more, and showing persistence when experiments don't go as planned. These are the very skills that will guide them far beyond preschool—skills your generosity made possible.\r\n\r\nAs educators, we know that learning through play and exploration builds the foundation for lifelong curiosity. Because of you, our students now see themselves as scientists, inventors, artists, and problem-solvers. You didn't just fund materials—you opened doors to wonder, discovery, and creativity.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in our project and in the power of early STEAM education. Your support has made our classroom a place where learning truly comes alive.","fullyFundedDate":1755728391498,"projectUrl":"project/curious-minds-at-work/9604068/","projectTitle":"\"Curious Minds at Work\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Azose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-azose"},{"teacherId":7828882,"projectId":8345850,"letterContent":"It's been a year since you funded our classroom stools! Our stools sit around our bean table for students to participate in small group. Because students do not need to bring their chairs over each time, there's more time for learning!\r\n\r\nThe stools are special and different from their typical chairs and, therefore, students enjoy sitting in them! The bright green color adds to our bright space. \r\n\r\nI even shared 4 of our stools with another classroom so that they can enjoy the same benefits during small group. Keep an eye out for this years project.","fullyFundedDate":1716077296862,"projectUrl":"project/grab-a-seat/8345850/","projectTitle":"Grab a Seat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Oster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7828882_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y473&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715863582069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7828882"},{"teacherId":7828882,"projectId":8670162,"letterContent":"It's been one year since this project was funded and it is still my favorite part of my classroom! I have moved into a new space, but the rug makes us feel right at home. We spend the majority of our day reading, learning, working, and building social skills on this space. Students love the CVC words in the middle and the alphabet on the outside to make a circle. \r\n\r\nI will never forget the students' faces the day the rug arrived. It was SO BIG and unrolling it was so special! \r\n\r\nKeep an eye out for more projects to come in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1725565120307,"projectUrl":"project/grounding-our-learning-a-class-rug-for/8670162/","projectTitle":"Grounding Our Learning: a Class Rug for Our Collaborative Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Oster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7828882_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y473&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715863582069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7828882"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5420","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":733,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":16,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.0,"schoolId":5420,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Budlong Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Budlong Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/budlong-elementary-school/5420"}