{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"CICS - Basil","outOfStateSupporters":42.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6724977,"projectId":9053633,"letterContent":"I am truly moved by your efforts to help me fund my Masterful Equipment for Masterful Musicians project. My students have truly been blessed to have these resources present with them in the classroom. Ever since we have received these materials, the students have been able to have a better grasp on their music technology skills.\r\n\r\nThe fact that we were able to receive these materials, the students will definitely be able to grow in their knowledge when it comes to Music Technology.\r\n\r\nI am greatly appreciative in your interest of helping me obtain my Masterful Equipment for Masterful Musicians.","fullyFundedDate":1746461432282,"projectUrl":"project/masterful-equipment-for-masterful-musici/9053633/","projectTitle":"Masterful Equipment For Masterful Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Elrod","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6724977_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x362,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756842127126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6724977"},{"teacherId":6724977,"projectId":9053145,"letterContent":"I am truly moved by your efforts to help me fund my Kazoos R Us project. My students have truly been blessed to have these resources present with them in the classroom. Ever since we have received these kazoos, the students have been able to have a better grasp on their music theory skills and are developing their basic musical techniques.\r\n\r\nThe fact that we were able to receive these kazoos, the students will definitely be able to have their basic techniques when it comes to the music as well as grow to become great musicians in the future.\r\n\r\nI am greatly appreciative in your interest of helping me obtain my kazoos.","fullyFundedDate":1746787022264,"projectUrl":"project/kazoos-r-us-2/9053145/","projectTitle":"Kazoos R Us 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Elrod","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6724977_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x362,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756842127126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6724977"},{"teacherId":6856844,"projectId":9223131,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project possible. The scholars had the best field day ever. They were so excited to see all the fun activities they were going to do. They loved playing the spoon game, the bean bag toss. The one they loved the most was the tug a war game. They all worked together amazingly. \r\n After a fun day of games and activities they were able to have their water and snacks. As I walked around the room I enjoyed hearing their conversations of how much fun they were having. This will definitely be a field day that they will never forget.","fullyFundedDate":1746582810570,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-play-providing-essential-fi/9223131/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Play: Providing Essential Field Day Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aragon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6856844_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665241229781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6856844"},{"teacherId":6856844,"projectId":9055545,"letterContent":"I want to thank you all from the bottom of my hear for making this dream possible, with out you this play would have never taken place. It was so exciting to see our scholars perform on stage for the first time. They were excited and nervous all at the same time. They were beyond belief how their costumes looked on them. They asked if they could keep the costumes after the play was done. I know my scholars and I will cherish this experience forever. The scholars will remember second grade forever. I hope you enjoy the photos of our wonderful amazing day.","fullyFundedDate":1743631063425,"projectUrl":"project/on-our-way-to-the-emerald-city/9055545/","projectTitle":"On our way to The Emerald City","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aragon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6856844_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665241229781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6856844"},{"teacherId":8002250,"projectId":8596182,"letterContent":"I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. My scholars were so happy to receive each item and it truly helped support them inside the classroom, having different manipulatives help guide my scholars the help they need in mathematics. Each scholar numbers grew in math this year and a lot of that is thanks to you all because of you my scholars know they matter and how hard work pays off. I want to say thank you again for all the items you have purchased for my classroom, each donation did not go unnoticed.","fullyFundedDate":1726796831989,"projectUrl":"project/stem-provides-key-concepts-for-children/8596182/","projectTitle":"STEM Provides Key Concepts for Children to Learn and Develop","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Watson-Santiago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8002250_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753113000722","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8002250"},{"teacherId":8002250,"projectId":9090085,"letterContent":"I thank you for your continued support for my classroom and helping me gain the tools to help my scholars inside the classroom. The tools I have gained to provide my scholars inside of math and ela have been an impact all of my state scores went up and I also had scholars able to move beyond first grade. I can not thank you all enough for the support and resources given to my scholars, who not only attend our low income based school but are thriving, no matter the situation. My class will continue to shine.","fullyFundedDate":1740421914155,"projectUrl":"project/support-students-in-low-income-families/9090085/","projectTitle":"Support Students in Low Income Families and Give Back","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Watson-Santiago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8002250_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753113000722","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8002250"},{"teacherId":6724977,"projectId":9053238,"letterContent":"I am truly moved by your efforts to help me fund my Rockin Recorders project. My students have truly been blessed to have these resources present with them in the classroom. Ever since we have received these recorders, the students have been able to have a better grasp on their music theory skills and develop their basic techniques on the recorder.\r\n\r\nThe fact that we were able to receive these recorders, the students will definitely be able to have their basic techniques when it comes to the recorder as well as grow to become great musicians in the future.\r\n\r\nI am greatly appreciative in your interest of helping me obtain my Rockin Recorders","fullyFundedDate":1742950738539,"projectUrl":"project/rockin-recorders-2/9053238/","projectTitle":"Rockin Recorders 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Elrod","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6724977_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x362,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756842127126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6724977"},{"teacherId":6724977,"projectId":9053021,"letterContent":"I truly appreciate your faith and dedication in getting my project funded. The impact that it has had on my students has been tremendous. My students truly enjoy their boomwhackers and are excited about them. It's because of your help in funding my project that my students will reach a greater level in developing their musicality.\r\n\r\nThe boomwhackers that we are using have allowed my students to be exposed to playing the boomwhacker. Many of my students have never ever touched a boomwhacker. There are also a number of students who have dreamed about playing the boomwhacker but have not been able to attain one. I feel that this exposure will really broaden their horizons.\r\n\r\nI am so excited for the future of the classroom environment that I am trying to create because it will further expose my students to bigger and better opportunities to become great musicians.","fullyFundedDate":1740690417133,"projectUrl":"project/boomin-boomwhackers/9053021/","projectTitle":"Boomin Boomwhackers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Elrod","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6724977_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x362,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756842127126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6724977"},{"teacherId":6724977,"projectId":8786993,"letterContent":"I truly appreciate your faith and dedication in getting my project funded. The impact that it has had on my students has been tremendous. My students truly enjoy their drums and are excited about them. It's because of your help in funding my project that my students will reach a greater level in developing their musicality.\r\n\r\nThe drums that we are using have allowed my students to be exposed to playing the trumpet. Many of my students have never ever touched a drum. There are also a number of students who have dreamed about playing the drum but have not been able to attain one. I feel that this exposure will really broaden their horizons.\r\n\r\nI am so excited for the future of the classroom room environment that I am trying to create because it will further expose my students to bigger and better opportunities to become great musicians.","fullyFundedDate":1735623268108,"projectUrl":"project/drums-r-us/8786993/","projectTitle":"Drums R Us","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Elrod","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6724977_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x362,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756842127126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6724977"},{"teacherId":8002250,"projectId":8344706,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to my classroom through DonorsChoose. Your support means more than words can express, and it has already begun to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students now have access to the essential resources they need to thrive academically and socially. These tools not only enhance their learning experience but also show them that there are people in the world who believe in their potential and are willing to invest in their future.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, every contribution matters. Your donation has helped create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, confidence is built, and learning is both fun and engaging. You've reminded us that we are not alone in our mission to ensure every child receives the quality education they deserve.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students, their families, and myself—thank you for being a part of our journey. Your generosity inspires us to keep pushing forward and to never stop learning.\r\n\r\nWith deepest gratitude,\r\nSade Watson-Santiago\r\n1st Grade Teacher\r\nCICS BASIL","fullyFundedDate":1715093458593,"projectUrl":"project/i-love-that-my-students-come-to-school-t/8344706/","projectTitle":"I Love That My Students Come to School to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Watson-Santiago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8002250_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753113000722","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8002250"},{"teacherId":7964397,"projectId":8785913,"letterContent":"Wow, we never realized how much of an impact you would make on the lives of our scholars with this donation. Each 4th grade scholar received their very first chapter book. After receiving this book our scholars were very grateful. They achieved their gratitude by bringing their books to class everyday and reading them at every opportunity they could. They are now asking for even more opportunities to read. Thank you again for helping change the lives of our children by helping them to develop a love for reading.","fullyFundedDate":1728024214063,"projectUrl":"project/follow-the-yellowbrick-road-to-reading/8785913/","projectTitle":"Follow The Yellowbrick Road to Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7964397_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649204236910","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7964397"},{"teacherId":8002178,"projectId":7154991,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to my attendance incentives project! As a teacher on the south side of Chicago, I have quickly learned the value and importance of daily attendance for students. \r\n\r\nAttendance is imperative for student learning. Not only does attendance play a huge role in a student's academic success, it also has a profound impact on their social and emotional learning and ability to build connections with their peers. \r\n\r\nIn order to capitalize on the importance of attendance, our school does weekly attendance prizes for students who had perfect attendance. Students work so hard at school and are always thrilled to receive a prize at the end of the week. Thank you for your support and contributions to helping us give our students awesome attendance prizes.","fullyFundedDate":1675622234102,"projectUrl":"project/dancing-for-our-attendance/7154991/","projectTitle":"Dancing for our AttenDANCE","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8002178_orig.jpg?crop=2718,2718,x541,y149&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1636678818298","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-harley"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5530","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":480,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":79,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.1,"schoolId":5530,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about CICS - Basil on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"CICS - Basil","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/chicago-int-l-charter-school-basil/5530"}
Join the 778 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
CICS - Basil is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 480 students
in grades K - 8.
Its teachers have had 264 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
98%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
CICS - Basil Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
CICS - Basil
$134,750
raised using DonorsChoose
264
projects
funded
96
teachers
funded
778
donors
10
projects
for
basic supplies
32
projects for
technology
27
projects for
books
15
projects
for
art supplies
CICS - Basil has received support from
444 individuals from Illinois and
334 individuals out-of-state.