{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cardenas Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3046834,"projectId":10467463,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our classroom library project! Because of your support, our fifth-grade reading corner has completely transformed from a basic bookshelf into a warm, inviting literacy oasis featuring two saucer chairs, a cozy floor lamp, and fresh new pillow covers.\r\n\r\nWhen the packages first arrived and we unpacked the materials together, the energy in the room was incredible. My students' eyes lit up as soon as they saw the bright saucer chairs and the floor lamp. Within minutes, they were asking if we could turn off the overhead fluorescent lights to test out the warm glow of the lamp. The floor lamp instantly shifted the entire ambiance of the room into a calm, focused learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese new resources have quickly become the most cherished spot in our classroom. During our daily independent reading time, students rotate using the saucer chairs and relaxing on our throw pillows. The warm lighting from the floor lamp has made sustained reading time something everyone looks forward to, especially for students who typically find sitting at traditional desks uncomfortable.\r\n\r\nYour kindness did far more than supply furniture—it created a space where my students feel valued, comfortable, and excited to open a book every single day. Thank you for investing in our classroom and in their love of reading!","fullyFundedDate":1786911359091,"projectUrl":"project/read-relax-recharge/10467463/","projectTitle":"Read, Relax & Recharge","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3046834_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652822176480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3046834"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":10200731,"letterContent":"I can't even begin to explain how high the ~vibes~ were due to these awesome books that we received in this project. My students have been blown away by these books because they are exactly what they've been wanting and asking for. The Pete the Cat books have been by far a fan favorite. My students didn't even know there were so many different new Pete the Cat books until this project came to life. In addition, they have been loving the goofy silly themed books that use humor to draw them in further. This project really contained something everybody and they are having fun exploring them independently and at their leisure. Thank you for helping fill our shelves with these amazing books!!!","fullyFundedDate":1787144507252,"projectUrl":"project/high-key-the-books-in-this-project-are/10200731/","projectTitle":"High Key, the Books in This Project are a Vibe!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":10161622,"letterContent":"This past month has been full of adventure, creativity, excitement and a fast growing love for reading! These books have seriously been the best addition to our classroom library. These new books have brought more variety and options for us to choose from and that in itself makes such a difference. Ever since we lost funding for our school library it has been a goal of mine to ensure I am keeping my classroom library up to date so my students aren't missing out on any of the new and amazing books coming out. These books are so different than the classics we already have so they have been so popular and loved on already. This has only been possible because of your care and generosity and for that we are so incredibly grateful. Time to get back to reading! THANK YOU!!!","fullyFundedDate":1787144506705,"projectUrl":"project/stop-drop-and-read-a-must-have-classr/10161622/","projectTitle":"Stop, Drop, and Read- A Must Have Classroom Book Collection!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":10161105,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredibly generous donation to our snack project! The timing couldn't have been better with this being the start of the school year. This project allowed me to restock our snack locker and bins so my students are able to fuel up as they need it. We've created this special space that is readily available to them so they know exactly where to go to get what they need. Having the option of snacks is so helpful because it fills the gaps that often go unseen such a hunger. In order for students to be ready to learn and reach their full potential, their basic needs must be met. Nothing is more basic than hunger! It is quite literally the fuel our bodies need. Thank you for helping fuel us at the start of this school year. What an awesome start we've already had thanks to YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1784208462301,"projectUrl":"project/stacks-of-snacks-on-snacks-on-snacks/10161105/","projectTitle":"Stacks of Snacks on Snacks on Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":960294,"projectId":10248076,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping fund our classroom project! My students absolutely love our new table and cozy chairs. They are always excited for the opportunity to visit our classroom library, sit in the comfy chairs, and enjoy a good book.\r\n\r\nI've already noticed that this new space has helped motivate my students to read more. They look forward to library center time and are eager to choose a book so they can enjoy our new reading area. The adorable little table and comfortable seating have also made our classroom feel so much warmer, cozier, and more inviting.\r\n\r\nIt makes me so happy to see my students excited about reading and enjoying a space that was created just for them. Your generosity has helped make our classroom a place where my students feel comfortable, excited to learn, and inspired to read. We are truly grateful for your support and for helping make our classroom even more special! ❤️📚","fullyFundedDate":1778252057192,"projectUrl":"project/sit-relax-and-read/10248076/","projectTitle":"Sit, Relax, and Read","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp960294_orig.jpg?crop=376,376,x260,y745&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746420759452","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/960294"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":10176218,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible donations to my classroom project for books in Spanish! Truly I cannot express how grateful we are to have added these popular titles in Spanish into our communal and accessible classroom library. In my specific role I work closely with students who are English learners and newcomers to the country. These books have given my students who are coming to us fluent in their native language, Spanish, to be able to participate as fully in their learning experience as their English speaking peers. I am working hard to ensure that they don't miss out on any learning and reading opportunities because language is a factor. I can't put into words how excited they were to see books their peers enjoy in English now available to them in Spanish. Now as we gear up for a new school year I have placed these books front and center in the library and they are ready to be enjoyed. Thank you for making this possible. MUCHAS GRACIAS!","fullyFundedDate":1778778714836,"projectUrl":"project/stories-that-speak-their-language-spani/10176218/","projectTitle":"Stories That Speak Their Language: Spanish Books, Por Favor!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":9960681,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity in funding this project for manipulatives. I have been able to use these with many different classrooms and groups of students they the feedback is they absolutely love them!!! These materials have so many different uses such as turning abstract math and literacy lessons into concrete, hands-on experiences, providing tailored support that meets every student at their individual level while keeping them aligned with grade-level standards, and empowering diverse learners to master critical thinking and improve academic achievement. \r\nThese high-quality materials from Lakeshore Learning aren't just toys; they are essential keys to unlocking my students' potential and fostering a lifelong love for learning. Thanks to you, every single student I work with has had access to the exact tools they need to succeed. We have already so much fun, creative and enlightening moments using these materials and I can't wait to continue to use them with all the learning that lies ahead!","fullyFundedDate":1773852489757,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-get-our-hands-on-learning/9960681/","projectTitle":"Help Us Get Our 'Hands On' Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":10160967,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Your support for our project has brought so much joy and functionality to our classroom just when we needed it most. As the school year comes to an end, our everyday supplies quickly dwindle, but your kindness has allowed us to restock, refresh, and finish the year on a high note.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom space has been revamped and reenergized! The new markers, pens, and paints have completely revitalized our creative work. The beautiful window clings have livened up our space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere we get to enjoy everyday. Our old speaker was truly on its last leg, and the new Bluetooth speaker has been an absolute game-changer. The Piggie & Gerald and Pigeon plushies have found their perfect home in our classroom library. Seeing Mo Willems' beloved characters come to life has made our library the most popular spot in the room, sparking an extra dose of excitement for reading. \r\n\r\nEvery single item in this project had a specific purpose, and you made it all possible. Thank you for recognizing our miscellaneous needs and choosing to invest in our students' daily school experience. You haven't just provided supplies, you've helped create a space where my students feel cared for and inspired to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1778268258883,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-bit-of-this-a-little-bit-of-t/10160967/","projectTitle":"A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":10132430,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project! Books are the heartbeat of our classroom and learning, and your gift has brought so much excitement to our reading corner. My students were overjoyed to see familiar faces like Bluey and Pete the Cat join our shelves. We've already used Grumpy Monkey to talk about our big feelings and Penelope Rex to learn about making friends at school. Because of you, my students see themselves in these stories and are more excited than ever to pick up a book. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for fostering a lifelong love of reading in my students! This is just the beginning!","fullyFundedDate":1773843258286,"projectUrl":"project/these-awesome-books-are-living-rent-free/10132430/","projectTitle":"These Awesome Books Are Living Rent Free in Our Heads!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":10011702,"letterContent":"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your incredible generosity. Because of your support, our classroom library has been transformed into a vibrant hub of excitement and discovery! You have already made such a large and lasting impact on my students. The Elephant & Piggie collection of books are wonderful as confidence builders. My students are already practicing their expression and comedic timing while reading about Gerald and Piggie's adventures. These books have been particularly helpful for my ELs who are learning to read in English. In addition, The Little Blue Truck series books are teaching my students the value of kindness and community through rhythmic, engaging storytelling. The Mr. Panda & Greg Pizzoli favorites like Please, Mr. Panda and The Watermelon Seed have sparked so much laughter and enjoyment while reading. \r\n\r\nBy providing these specific titles, you given us more than just books; you've given my students characters they can relate to and stories that make them feel successful as emerging readers. For many of my students, having brand-new, popular books to hold is such a special experience that validates their hard work. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for believing in the power of literacy!","fullyFundedDate":1773768996025,"projectUrl":"project/best-of-the-best-theres-no-contest-a/10011702/","projectTitle":"Best of the Best, There's No Contest: A Book Collection!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":9960713,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in bringing these books to our classroom! Literacy is the heartbeat of our learning, and having high-interest characters like Pete the Cat, Pig the Pug, and the Pigeon makes my students genuinely excited to open a book. The seasonal titles for Christmas and Thanksgiving will help us create wonderful holiday traditions together, while the classic lessons from the Berenstain Bears will help us grow as a classroom community. Your support has put some new favorite books into the hands of my students and they are thrilled about it. Thank you for investing in our future readers! We can't wait for all of the reading that lies ahead!","fullyFundedDate":1773768996411,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-our-superpower-a-year-long-b/9960713/","projectTitle":"Reading is Our Superpower- A Year Long Book Collection!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791583065532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":9833001,"projectId":9943109,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom project! Because of your contributions, I was able to receive a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card that will have a direct and immediate impact on my students learning experience.\r\n\r\nHaving access to these specialized resources have allowed me to tailor my instruction to meet the diverse needs of my classroom and students I work with. I have been able to curate some really fun and meaningful lessons that drive classroom community, peer relationships, and self - knowledge that have been very impactful to see. \r\n\r\nI am so grateful for the willingness to invest in the success of my students and the kindness you provide with your donations.","fullyFundedDate":1769177168858,"projectUrl":"project/counselors-toolkit-powered-by-tpt/9943109/","projectTitle":"Counselor’s Toolkit: Powered by TpT!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Renteria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9833001_orig.jpg?crop=631,631,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746816501452","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9833001"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5844","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":762,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"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":"26.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.0,"schoolId":5844,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cardenas Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cardenas Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/cardenas-school/5844"}