{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":10191342,"letterContent":"Your generosity has completely transformed our daily routine! On the West Side of Chicago, unpredictable weather means we spend a lot of time indoors, but thanks to you, indoor recess and choice time have quickly become the absolute highlights of our day instead of a rainy-day compromise.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the Resources & Student Reactions\r\nWhen the large boxes first arrived in our classroom, my primary students were practically bouncing off the floor with excitement! They gasped as we unpacked the colorful Magnetic Wonder Tiles, microMAGS, and the vibrant Sportime Recess Pack. One student shouted, \"We get to build our own castle now?!\" while another immediately asked if we could roll the Covelico Exercise Dice right then and there.\r\n\r\nWe hit the ground running with our new materials. Recently, during a rainy afternoon indoor recess, our room turned into a full-fledged engineering lab and movement studio. A group of four students collaborated to build a massive, multi-tiered \"futuristic city\" using the magnetic tiles, negotiating who would build the bridges and how to keep the towers balanced on the play mat. Across the room, another group was using the exercise dice to run their own mini \"fitness bootcamp\"—giggling uncontrollably as they landed on jumping jacks and balance poses. The \"Spot It!\" games have also become a daily staple during center time; it has been incredible to watch students practice patience, quick visual processing, and genuine sportsmanship as they cheer each other on.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Students\r\nThese resources aren't just for free play—we are actively integrating them into our academic curriculum! For our next STEM unit in math, students will be using the magnetic tiles and microMAGS to explore 3D shapes, area, and spatial awareness by designing structures that match specific geometric criteria. In physical education and our daily movement breaks, we are using the recess pack and exercise dice to create student-led obstacle courses, helping them build leadership skills as they take turns directing their peers through gross motor challenges.\r\n\r\nYour support has given my students the gift of active play, creative exploration, and joy. You didn't just fund a project; you built a brighter, happier classroom environment where my kids can move, build, and grow together every single day. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1777997629093,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-play-building-active-bodies/10191342/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Play! Building Active Bodies and Creative Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":10467483,"projectId":10194468,"letterContent":"The boxes have officially arrived, and our classroom was buzzing with excitement! I wish you could have seen my students' faces as we unpacked the supplies for \"Clean Spaces, Bright Faces: Healthy Habits for West Side Scholars.\"\r\n\r\nThanks to your incredible generosity, our scholars now have direct access to the daily hygiene essentials and wellness tools they need to stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn. Having these resources right here in our room eliminates daily distractions and creates a dignified, supportive environment where every child feels cared for.\r\n\r\nYour support goes far beyond the physical items in these boxes—you have shown my West Side scholars that there is a whole community standing behind them, rooting for their success and well-being every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for making our vision a reality and for bringing light, health, and bright smiles into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1777936410253,"projectUrl":"project/clean-spaces-bright-faces-healthy-habi/10194468/","projectTitle":"Clean Spaces, Bright Faces: Healthy Habits for West Side Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cooper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10467483_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787789145847","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10467483"},{"teacherId":9871645,"projectId":10194130,"letterContent":"Words cannot express how much we \"blow\" you a kiss of thanks! Your generosity has quite literally brought a breath of fresh air into our classroom.\r\n\r\nBefore your donation, the afternoon heat was a major hurdle for my 2nd graders. Now, thanks to you, we can keep the air moving and our brains grooving! The students were so excited to feel the breeze the first time we turned these on, and I have already seen a noticeable difference in their ability to stay on task during our hottest hours. Thank you for caring about the physical comfort and academic success of my Westside scholars!","fullyFundedDate":1778875146264,"projectUrl":"project/cooling-the-classroom-breezy-brains-on/10194130/","projectTitle":"Cooling the Classroom: Breezy Brains on Chicago's Westside!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hawthorne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871645_orig.jpg?crop=1003,1003,x189,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1779133468662","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871645"},{"teacherId":9871645,"projectId":9912714,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for turning our cold, concrete floor into a true sanctuary for learning! My 2nd graders on the Westside of Chicago were absolutely thrilled when the new rugs, vacuum and broom arrived. One student even whispered, \"It feels like a real home now,\" as he sat down for the first time.\r\n\r\nWe are already using this space for our daily Community Circle and independent reading time. Before this project was funded, students often fidgeted or complained about the hard floor, but now they can focus entirely on their books. Their reading stamina has increased significantly because they are finally comfortable and cozy!\r\n\r\nOur next step is using the rug as a \"stage\" for our Author's Chair celebrations, where students will sit together to share their original writing. Your gift has given them a safe, inviting place to grow their brains and their confidence. You have shown my scholars that their comfort and their education truly matter to the world. Thank you for being our champions!","fullyFundedDate":1773841420186,"projectUrl":"project/transforming-concrete-floors-into-cozy-l/9912714/","projectTitle":"Transforming Concrete Floors into Cozy Learning Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hawthorne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871645_orig.jpg?crop=1003,1003,x189,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1779133468662","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871645"},{"teacherId":9800101,"projectId":9759699,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my classroom so my students can have a snack as a reward for accomplishing (W.I.G.) wild, important goals. They have already reached one goal: to read 15 books each in the month. The students picked a snack on Friday, and they were very excited. It's funny that they don't realize how much they are growing, and I keep reminding them of their growth. As they continue reading, they improve their comprehension and expand their vocabulary. Learning has become more fun, knowing the students have a tangible reward, and not stressing about how I will provide them with snacks. I can increase my focus on growth, achievement, and the creation of higher-level thinkers. \r\n\r\nIt is very important to motivate my students not only with intrinsic incentives but also with tangible ones, because I want them to grow. I have loved seeing my students work hard to achieve goals we set as a class, and ones they set individually. Once they achieve a goal, they feel proud that they held themselves accountable. I want my students to be independent learners who take charge of their learning. Snacks have been one way to keep them on track. \r\n\r\nThank you again, and we truly appreciate the donations. It takes a village, and you are part of that. The village of education now bears your name.","fullyFundedDate":1769177192478,"projectUrl":"project/snack-rewards-for-dl-students-achieving/9759699/","projectTitle":"Snack Rewards for DL Students Achieving Wig (Wild Important Goals)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9800101_orig.png?crop=190,190,x38,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757203068846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800101"},{"teacherId":7827086,"projectId":9638848,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project \"Connecting Language to the Classroom\"! Thanks to your generosity, my students have access to materials that help them engage in language and literacy activities in the classroom. With these tools, my students are able to communicate more often during our sessions, whether it be with spoken words, signs, or AAC. The story manipulatives and clear visuals make it easier for my students to connect language to their curriculum. They are initiating more communication for a wider variety of purposes\r\n\r\nAll of the tools provided have helped my students bridge the gap between the instruction in their classroom and what my students find meaningful. They have greater access to instruction that their general education peers are receiving, thus they are able to interact more meaningfully with all students in the building. Your generous donation has opened new pathways to communication, confidence, and friendship for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1764729485126,"projectUrl":"project/connecting-language-to-the-classroom/9638848/","projectTitle":"Connecting Language to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7827086_orig.jpg?crop=1720,1720,x634,y1300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703181818059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7827086"},{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":9842090,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the Barks Classroom Headphones! Because of your generosity, my students will be able to fully focus during their individualized i-Ready math lessons, Lexia reading practice, and Amira reading foundations sessions. Having reliable headphones means every child can hear instructions clearly, work at their own pace, and feel confident while learning. It also allows our classroom to stay calm and productive while multiple students are working on different programs at the same time.\r\n\r\nThese headphones will also make our Fun Friday computer time even more special. Students love earning time to explore educational games and creative activities, and now they'll be able to enjoy that experience without distractions. Your support is more than just a donation of supplies — it is an investment in my students' growth, independence, and excitement for learning. We are truly grateful for your kindness and commitment to helping our classroom thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1763564251560,"projectUrl":"project/tuned-in-and-ready-to-learn/9842090/","projectTitle":"Tuned In and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":9501976,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the Barks Classroom Headphones! Because of your generosity, my students will be able to fully focus during their individualized i-Ready math lessons, Lexia reading practice, and Amira reading foundations sessions. Having reliable headphones means every child can hear instructions clearly, work at their own pace, and feel confident while learning. It also allows our classroom to stay calm and productive while multiple students are working on different programs at the same time.\r\n\r\nThese headphones will also make our Fun Friday computer time even more special. Students love earning time to explore educational games and creative activities, and now they'll be able to enjoy that experience without distractions. Your support is more than just a donation of supplies — it is an investment in my students' growth, independence, and excitement for learning. We are truly grateful for your kindness and commitment to helping our classroom thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1756135832157,"projectUrl":"project/math-binders-for-organized-and-confident/9501976/","projectTitle":"Math Binders for Organized and Confident Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":9812551,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us stay healthy and focused on learning! Your generosity truly makes a difference in our classroom each and every day. With fewer custodians available in our building, it has become increasingly important for us to have the right tools to keep our learning environment clean and safe. Because of your support, we are able to disinfect desks, sanitize shared materials, and maintain clean floors so germs don't interfere with valuable instructional time.\r\n\r\nA clean classroom helps students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. When they walk into a fresh and organized space, it sets a positive tone for the entire day. Fewer illnesses mean better attendance, stronger routines, and more consistent academic growth. Most importantly, your kindness shows my students that there are people who truly care about their well-being and success. Thank you for investing in our health, our learning, and our future.","fullyFundedDate":1769177185198,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-classroom-clean-and-healthy/9812551/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Classroom Clean and Healthy for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":9746534,"projectId":9972035,"letterContent":"Because of your support, my classroom has transformed into a more vibrant and interactive learning environment. For students in 6th through 8th grade who are reading several years below grade level, the traditional middle school curriculum can often feel overwhelming or inaccessible. The technology and tools you provided—specifically the UFLI Foundations Manuals and Answer Buzzers—bridge that gap by making foundational literacy skills feel age-appropriate, engaging, and, most importantly, achievable.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting addition for my students has undoubtedly been the Answer Buzzers. In a middle school setting, students are often self-conscious about their reading struggles. These buzzers turn intensive decoding and fluency drills into a spirited, \"game-show\" style competition. It shifts the energy from the anxiety of \"getting a word wrong\" to the excitement of participating in a challenge. Meanwhile, the Alphabet and Number Line sets provide a constant, non-intimidating visual reference that helps them navigate science and social studies texts without having to constantly stop and ask for help with basic character recognition.\r\n\r\nI have seen a significant shift in a few of my students who previously struggled with \"learned helplessness\"—the tendency to give up before even trying. One student in particular, who used to shut down during small group interventions, is now the first to grab a buzzer and lead the group in blending exercises. This technology allows my students to access the General Education curriculum with newfound confidence. You haven't just provided \"supplies\"; you've provided the keys to unlocking their literacy, ensuring they no longer feel left behind by their peers.","fullyFundedDate":1769177186367,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-read-gamifying-our-phonics/9972035/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Read: Gamifying Our Phonics Foundations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9746534_orig.png?crop=1181,1181,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726187131302","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ke-ans"},{"teacherId":10111226,"projectId":9939202,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for believing in my students. Since receiving the new resources, they have become an essential part of our daily learning. We use them during small-group instruction, hands-on activities, and individualized lessons to support each student's unique learning needs. One particularly meaningful moment occurred during a math intervention lesson, when students were able to use the materials to model problems instead of relying solely on paper and pencil. Students who often struggle with engagement were excited to participate, explain their thinking, and complete tasks successfully.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate. Several asked if the resources were really for them, and many couldn't wait to begin using them. Knowing that people outside of their classroom cared enough to support their learning made them feel valued and motivated. The pride and confidence they showed were truly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to support skill-building in reading comprehension, math problem-solving, and social-emotional development. Students are actively working toward their individual IEP goals through structured lessons, independent practice, and collaborative activities. With continued use, they will apply these skills across subjects and real-world situations, helping them grow into more confident and independent learners.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom environment where students feel encouraged, capable, and excited to learn. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765205081601,"projectUrl":"project/rebuild-our-classroom/9939202/","projectTitle":"Rebuild our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandifer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10111226_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764649484306","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111226"},{"teacherId":9800101,"projectId":9920300,"letterContent":"This technology is helping my students learn because they can now dive into reading websites like Amira, Google Read Along, Epic, iReady, and Lexia without distraction. They are giving 200% effort, working hard on their fluency, decoding skills, and comprehension. Students have a quiet space when wearing their headphones, so they can build their confidence and truly grow as readers. The students know that when it is reading time, they can grab headphones to focus on their reading. This new technology is truly helping my students fall in love with reading again. \r\n\r\nMy students find the headphones exciting because they can escape into a book or an audio lesson and play educational games. The students listen to audiobooks and write book reports on their modified graphic organizers. The students are also excited to select their favorite colored headphones. When it comes to reading time, I only see excitement on my students' faces. \r\n\r\nI can say with confidence that all my students have warmed up to the new technology. They take care of the headphones and hang them up when they are finished using them. Also, some students use headphones for noise cancellation when the class is working on group projects. One student was opposed to wearing headphones due to sensory issues, but she is warming up. Last week, she voluntarily put on headphones and went to education.com. We didn't make a big deal of it, and she was just so happy playing her educational game. I am so happy for this donation, and the positive impact it has had on the student. It takes a village, and you are part of this community.","fullyFundedDate":1764270772034,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-needed-for-special-education/9920300/","projectTitle":"Headphones needed for Special Education Urban Classrooms for Reading Websites!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9800101_orig.png?crop=190,190,x38,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757203068846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800101"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5774","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":320,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":87,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.6,"schoolId":5774,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/dett-elementary-school/5774"}