Calmeca Academy in Chicago, Illinois on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Calmeca Academy","outOfStateSupporters":34.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1140159,"projectId":9199079,"letterContent":"It is because of you that my students were able to receive new classroom supplies. Our old clipboards were unattractive and literally falling apart from years of use. Many clipboards had cracks in them or had missing pieces, making them difficult to use. Nonetheless, students made due. When the new ones came, my students faces lit up and they cheered. Finally, no more struggling and having to manipulate the paper just to be able to write on it. \r\nClipboards are essential in my classroom because they allow students the flexibility of completing their work in any part of our room. With the clipboards, students are free to explore other work spaces and are not locked in to a desk.\r\nAll of the other supplies have also made a positive impact. Our pencils were down to a nub and the erasers were long gone. Crayons in our room were nearly non-existent. Our scissors were dull and our glue sticks empty. We were also getting dangerously low on story writing paper. \r\nAfter receipt of our supplies we longer have to ration. I am happy to report that we are back to writing, drawing, crafting and creating every single day. We are so appreciative because a new spark of creativity has been ignited. You did that with your generous donation and we are so happy you did!","fullyFundedDate":1742950383132,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success/9199079/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1140159"},{"teacherId":9680178,"projectId":8799335,"letterContent":"At the beginning of the school year, establishing a well-equipped classroom environment plays a critical role in supporting the academic and social development of 1st grade students. Among the essential resources that contribute to a productive learning space are a printer, a number chart, and cleaning supplies. Though seemingly simple, these tools have a meaningful impact on students' learning experiences, independence, and sense of responsibility.\r\n\r\nFirst, having access to a printer in the classroom enhances students' engagement and ownership of their learning. With a printer readily available, teachers can quickly produce customized learning materials that meet students' individual needs. Whether it's differentiated worksheets, visual aids, or student-created stories, being able to print resources on demand ensures that learning is responsive and relevant. For young learners, seeing their work printed and displayed fosters a strong sense of pride and motivation. It validates their efforts and encourages them to take their learning seriously. In addition, printed materials such as newsletters or student work sent home help strengthen the connection between school and families, ensuring that parents stay informed and involved in their child's progress.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the presence of a number chart in the classroom supports the development of foundational math skills. First grade is a crucial year for building number sense, and a number chart serves as a constant visual reference that helps students recognize patterns, count forward and backward, and understand place value. It empowers students to work more independently by providing a tool they can refer to when solving math problems. During whole-class lessons, the number chart can be used for interactive activities and games, making math more engaging and accessible. It not only supports academic growth but also encourages collaborative learning as students explore mathematical concepts together.\r\n\r\nFinally, providing cleaning supplies at the start of the school year contributes to the health, safety, and community values of the classroom. A clean learning environment reduces the spread of germs, helping students stay healthy and minimizing disruptions caused by illness. More importantly, involving students in simple cleaning tasks instills a sense of responsibility and respect for shared spaces. When students help maintain their classroom, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in their learning environment. These habits promote a positive classroom culture where everyone contributes to the well-being of the group.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the inclusion of a printer, number chart, and cleaning supplies at the beginning of the school year may seem minor, but they have a significant impact on 1st grade students. These tools not only support academic success by providing access to learning materials and visual aids, but they also foster independence, responsibility, and community values. By thoughtfully preparing the classroom with these resources, educators create a nurturing and effective learning environment where young students can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1727792543367,"projectUrl":"project/sparkling-into-a-clean-and-organize-clas/8799335/","projectTitle":"Sparkling Into a Clean and Organize Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9680178"},{"teacherId":9680178,"projectId":8755436,"letterContent":"Technology is a transformative tool in our classroom, helping students engage with learning in dynamic and personalized ways. The addition of the printer allows students to bring their creativity to life by printing their writing projects, illustrated stories, and bilingual graphic organizers. Seeing their work in a tangible format boosts their confidence and encourages them to take pride in their efforts. It also supports collaborative projects, as students can print and share their work with peers and family. The cleaning cloths, though simple, emphasize responsibility, as students use them to maintain the technology, reinforcing habits of care and ownership.\r\n\r\nThe new floor pillows have sparked excitement among the students, transforming our reading and collaborative spaces into inviting, comfortable areas. These spaces encourage focus and creativity, making independent reading or group work more enjoyable. The students love using the pillows during \"soft start\" activities and small group instruction, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment that supports their emotional well-being while enhancing their focus on learning.\r\n\r\nOne particular student, who often struggled with engagement has found comfort in the flexible seating provided by the floor pillows, becoming more willing to participate in discussions and collaborative activities. 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About this school

Calmeca Academy is an urban public school in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299. It serves 625 students in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.2:1. Its teachers have had 105 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 8

625 Students

41 Teachers

3456 W 38th St

Chicago, IL 60632 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Calmeca Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Calmeca Academy Demographics

86%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

97%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Calmeca Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

Calmeca Academy

$45,590

raised using DonorsChoose

105

projects funded

teachers funded

424

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Calmeca Academy has received support from 277 individuals from Illinois and 147 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Calmeca Academy

About this school

Equity Focus School

Calmeca Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Calmeca Academy Demographics

Calmeca Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

Calmeca Academy

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.