{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Darwin Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9068800,"projectId":9785347,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and for providing hands-on materials for our classroom. I am incredibly grateful for your support and for investing in my students' learning and growth.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, my students are able to learn through hands-on exploration, building, sorting, creating, and problem-solving. These materials help bring lessons to life and allow students to practice important math, literacy, and fine motor skills in a fun and meaningful way. My students are more engaged, excited to learn, and able to better understand concepts because they can see, touch, and explore their learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a classroom environment where students are curious, creative, and confident learners. Thank you for making such a positive impact on our classroom and for supporting our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764813389854,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-tools-for-growing-minds/9785347/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Tools for Growing Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Montoya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9068800_orig.jpg?crop=1232,1232,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754946834167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9068800"},{"teacherId":9068800,"projectId":9577045,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation and for providing bookshelves for our classroom. Your kindness and support truly make a difference for my students each and every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom library is now more organized, accessible, and inviting for students. The bookshelves have helped us create a space where students are excited to read, explore books, and develop a love for learning. It may seem like a simple gift, but it has made a huge impact on our classroom environment and on my students.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your support, your generosity, and your belief in our students. Thank you for helping us create a classroom filled with books, learning, and excitement.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1764727846132,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-bookshelves/9577045/","projectTitle":"Little Learners’ Bookshelves","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Montoya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9068800_orig.jpg?crop=1232,1232,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754946834167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9068800"},{"teacherId":8537952,"projectId":9423754,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, I was able to transform an empty classroom into a structured and student-centered learning environment. The tables you helped provide are now used daily for small group instruction, where I work closely with students to build foundational skills and provide targeted support. This setup allows me to differentiate instruction while the rest of the class remains engaged in independent work.\r\n\r\nThe classroom rug has become one of the most important spaces in our room. It serves as our classroom library area, where students gather for reading, discussions, and shared learning experiences. When students first saw the space, they were excited and immediately drawn to it. It quickly became a place where they feel comfortable, focused, and part of a learning community.\r\n\r\nThe mobile teaching easel has been essential for whole group instruction. I use it every day to introduce vocabulary, model thinking, and create anchor charts with my students. It helps make learning visible and interactive, which increases student engagement and understanding.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these resources are helping my students grow academically and become more independent learners. They are learning how to work collaboratively, participate in meaningful discussions, and stay engaged during instruction. Your support helped create a classroom with clear expectations, strong routines, and opportunities for every student to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1751509428439,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-second-grade-classroom-from-t/9423754/","projectTitle":"Building a Second Grade Classroom from the Ground Up","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8537952_orig.jpg?crop=1736,1737,x0,y150&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658683859465","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537952"},{"teacherId":8537952,"projectId":9752907,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have a dedicated and organized space for their binders through the Flex-Space Binder Storage Center. From the very first day we introduced it, students were excited to have a clear system in place. What used to take several minutes of passing out and collecting materials is now smooth and efficient. Students independently retrieve and return their binders, allowing us to maximize instructional time and stay focused on learning.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stood out was seeing how quickly my students took ownership of the system. They began helping each other, reminding classmates where materials belong, and taking pride in keeping our classroom organized. This resource has not only improved our daily routines but has also reinforced responsibility and independence—skills that are essential for their academic growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping create a structured, student-centered learning environment where they can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1758862646083,"projectUrl":"project/organized-storage-for-our-leader-in-me-b/9752907/","projectTitle":"Organized Storage for Our Leader in Me Binders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8537952_orig.jpg?crop=1736,1737,x0,y150&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658683859465","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537952"},{"teacherId":10009750,"projectId":9952985,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with these essential supplies. Your generosity has made a meaningful and immediate impact on our students' daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nThe pencil sharpener and ample supply of pencils have helped eliminate constant interruptions, allowing students to stay focused and ready to learn. The shelves for textbooks have been especially beneficial, as students no longer need to carry heavy books back and forth. Having materials easily accessible in the classroom has made transitions smoother and reduced stress for many students.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have been invaluable for math instruction. Students are now able to watch instructional videos and complete lessons independently on iReady, giving them the opportunity to learn at their own pace while staying engaged. The Kleenex has also been greatly appreciated, helping us keep students comfortable and focused throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThese resources may seem small, but together they have created a more organized, supportive, and effective learning environment. Thank you for investing in our students and helping set them up for success.","fullyFundedDate":1767290385707,"projectUrl":"project/helping-our-students-stay-focused-prepa/9952985/","projectTitle":"Helping Our Students Stay Focused, Prepared, and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davies","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009750"},{"teacherId":10009750,"projectId":9711065,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our calm down corner a reality. When the students first saw it, their excitement was incredible and everyone cheered. It was truly a special moment.\r\n\r\nStudents now have a dedicated space they can use when they need a break to reset and refocus. Math can be challenging, and having a place to pause, breathe, and take a step back has already helped students regulate their emotions so they can return to learning more successfully.\r\n\r\nThe visual timer has been especially helpful for both students and me, as it ensures breaks are purposeful and brief. The stress balls are also being used regularly while students work, helping them release frustration in a productive way.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom environment and in our students' ability to persevere through challenges. We are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1765205096234,"projectUrl":"project/calm-corner/9711065/","projectTitle":"Calm Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davies","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009750"},{"teacherId":10050681,"projectId":9451490,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my social work practice and my students' social-emotional learning. These materials have helped us start the year off strong as we inch closer to wrapping up the first semester of the school year. My students have especially loved the Little Spot of Emotion character plushies and their corresponding books. I have also found and purchased activities that go along with the Little Spot of Emotion curriculum, so many of our lessons have flowed smoothly. I appreciate how these materials help me differentiate my lessons (or make them approachable for students of different skill levels). And the students have loved how interactive this curriculum is. Additionally, the other social-emotional materials have helped to supplement these lessons, so my students have a variety of activities available to them.","fullyFundedDate":1755711728690,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-young-chicagoan-students-emoti/9451490/","projectTitle":"Teaching Young, Chicagoan Students Emotional Regulation & Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gillian Ruggeri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050681_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751993814532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050681"},{"teacherId":9068800,"projectId":9576895,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of the kidney table for our classroom. Thank you for supporting our students and helping create a space where small group learning can truly thrive.\r\n\r\nThe kidney table has made a huge difference in our classroom. I am now able to work with students in small groups more effectively, provide targeted instruction, and give students the extra support they need in reading, writing, and math. It has also created a special space where students feel comfortable, focused, and excited to learn. Small group time has become one of the most important and productive parts of our day because of this table.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has directly impacted my students' learning, confidence, and growth. Thank you for supporting our classroom and for making a meaningful difference in the daily learning experiences of my students. We are so grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1760823397474,"projectUrl":"project/bright-beginnings-building-a-kinder-cla/9576895/","projectTitle":"Bright Beginnings: Building a Kinder Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Montoya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9068800_orig.jpg?crop=1232,1232,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754946834167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9068800"},{"teacherId":7397014,"projectId":9254154,"letterContent":"This year has been full of excitement in our speech classroom, thanks to the incredible resources funded through DonorsChoose. The new materials have truly transformed the way my students participate in therapy, making each session more engaging, motivating, and productive. Instead of completing drills in isolation, my students now practice their speech and language goals through interactive games, group activities, and hands-on practice. Students take turns practicing their sounds while moving game pieces or drawing cards. One student, who is usually hesitant to speak up, lit up during a game and ended up practicing his target sound many times without even realizing how much work he was putting in. Moments like these highlight how powerful these resources are in helping students stay motivated while building communication skills.\r\nWhen the students returned to school this fall, their reactions to the new materials were priceless. As soon as they walked into the room, they noticed the colorful shelves filled with new games and activities. Several students exclaimed \"Wow!\" and couldn't wait to find out how they would get to use the materials. Their excitement hasn't faded either, now they enter sessions asking, \"Which game are we playing today?\" That enthusiasm has been contagious, making it easier for students to take risks, try again after mistakes, and encourage their peers. What used to feel like hard work now feels fun, and that shift in mindset has made a noticeable difference in their progress.\r\nLooking ahead, the next step is helping students carry over the skills they are building in speech into their classrooms. While the games provide practice in a structured and supportive setting, the ultimate goal is for students to use their strategies with teachers and peers during academic tasks.\r\nI am deeply grateful to our donors for making this possible. The resources have sparked joy, boosted participation, and given my students new confidence. They are not just games they are powerful tools that are helping students reach their goals and shine in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1750637102445,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-speech-therapy-participation-t/9254154/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Speech Therapy Participation Through Engaging Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7397014_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x48,y309&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596759546478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7397014"},{"teacherId":6384324,"projectId":8693546,"letterContent":"Thanks for supporting this project and helping to bring this comfortable rug to the classroom! The rug ended up being a nice addition to the library. It has helped students to feel more comfortable and relaxed while they enjoy browsing books and have conversations about their favorites stories. Students usually go to the library during center time. During this time, students tend to be more active and talkative. This rug has also helped to reduce the levels of noise and keep more balance between noisy and quiet areas. The rug is welcoming enough for the kiddos; they go to the library, lay down with their books and share. Thanks a lot for supporting this project!","fullyFundedDate":1724808343115,"projectUrl":"project/a-rug-for-reading/8693546/","projectTitle":"A Rug for Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pineda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6384324_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651706337650","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jpineda"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5723","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":497,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":83,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.3,"schoolId":5723,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Darwin Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Darwin Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/darwin-elementary-school/5723"}