{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9800101,"projectId":9845762,"letterContent":"My students are loving the new resources (the plethora of games donated) in the classrooms. Students are playing games like UNO, Chess, Checkers, Operation, Battleship, Charades, Connect Four, Scrabble, origami puzzle fit, and many more during SEL time (recess days). There are students playing Operation and seeing who can collect the most pieces. Also, there are groups of students playing Charades and bringing out their inner child. The joy and smiles on the faces are amazing. \r\n\r\nMy students were overwhelmed when they first saw the games. I had the students help me unbox the games and organize them in the classroom closet. The student asked me if I brought the games, and I proudly told them that a generous donor through DonorsChoose had donated them to our class. In fact, students from other classes are also using the games and playing with students they usually don't communicate with. I knew my students would love the games because they have been asking me for games for a while. Now, I know we have materials to keep the socializing growing and deepen the friendships. \r\n\r\nA current project I am planning is a Friday fun day in which students circulate to different classrooms to play games. It will be collaborated with the rest of the middle school teachers, and the students can then write short reflections on their experience. \r\nThe students were told about the Fun Game Day, and they are ecstatic. I am very happy with these games and the positivity that they are bringing to the middle school team. The third floor is ready for in-class recess.","fullyFundedDate":1763757556668,"projectUrl":"project/games-needed-for-middle-school-for-in-da/9845762/","projectTitle":"Games Needed for Middle School for In-day Recess and Social skills.","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":9800101,"projectId":9693706,"letterContent":"This technology is helping my students learn because I can create supplemental differentiated worksheets tailored to students' needs and print lesson plans, activities, homework, tests, and quizzes. My students can now access instant resources in the classroom. Also, the students now have a printer that they can access in the classroom when I print up something. My students are very appreciative of the new printer in the classroom. They love getting papers from the printer that will help their learning. \r\n\r\nMy middle school students find the printer to be a resourceful tool that they know will help them learn. When we are doing a group project, my students use my computer to print up images and text they need. The printer is a tool/resource that all my students can use with supervision. Everyone in the classroom knows the printer is here to create learning materials they will use. \r\n\r\nAll of my students have warmed up to this new technology and understand its purpose. I have students grab papers from the printers. They know when the printer goes off that I am making work they must complete, creating graphic organizers, or printing up teacher plans to help with their learning. Thank you again for this printer. You are a part of this community, part of this village.","fullyFundedDate":1760704666141,"projectUrl":"project/printer-needed-for-diverse-learners-clas/9693706/","projectTitle":"Printer Needed for Diverse Learners Classroom Teacher","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":9746534,"projectId":9799868,"letterContent":"A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters\r\nThe impact of your generosity was felt the moment these boxes arrived in our classroom. When my students saw the stacks of colorful folders, the massive supply of pre-sharpened pencils, and—most importantly—the brand-new headphones, their faces lit up with excitement. One student even cheered, \"Wait, we all get our own pair that actually works?\" For many of my students, having high-quality, reliable tools is a luxury they don't often experience, and seeing the room stocked with everything they need made them feel valued and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe have already put these resources to work in a very practical way. The Eduvy headphones have been a total game-changer for our literacy centers; students can now focus on their individual phonics and reading software without the distraction of background noise, allowing for a much more peaceful and productive \"quiet study\" hour. Meanwhile, the cordless vacuum and cleaning supplies have turned our classroom into a space of shared responsibility. During our \"Friday Reset,\" a few students volunteered to use the new vacuum and Lysol wipes to tidy their stations, showing a new sense of pride in keeping our learning environment sparkling clean and healthy.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are diving into a major cross-curricular research project. Each student has been assigned a heavy-duty colorful folder to organize their drafts and source materials, and with our new bulk paper and Expo markers, we are building large-scale \"brainstorming maps\" on our whiteboards. These supplies ensure that we never have to pause a lesson because a marker is dry or a pencil is dull. Your contribution hasn't just provided \"stuff\"—it has provided the momentum and organization we need to finish the semester strong. Thank you for investing in our success!","fullyFundedDate":1762048284169,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success-helping-middle-sch/9799868/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success: Helping Middle School Minds Thrive","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":9800101,"projectId":9693633,"letterContent":"There are so many skills and lessons we have learned using these books. We are working on identifying key details in a text to determine the main idea, identify the theme, annotate using sticky notes, summarize the chapters, etc. We are reading aloud as a class and having wonderful, deep, and engaging class discussions. For example, students are pair reading and filling out graphic organizers. Students are also acting out scenes from the book as part of our drama projects. We are loving these book sets. \r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading looks like students pair reading, silent reading, and reading aloud as a class. You will see student reading and annotating on sticky notes that they stick into their books. My students also listen to the audio version of the books via YouTube. Reading takes so many forms in my classroom. \r\n\r\nYes, my 6th graders enjoyed \"The Unteachables\", 7th grade enjoyed \"The Hunger Games\", and 8th grade enjoyed \"The Hate U Give\". One student felt a connection to \"The Hate U Give\" and connected it to the violence they see in their own neighborhood. Another student in 6th grade connected with the students from \"The Unteachables\" because they feel kind of different being pulled out of their general education classes and not with their peers. I remind them that all students learn \r\ndifferently all the time differently. However, these students value having books to expand their world and improve their reading.","fullyFundedDate":1760729610534,"projectUrl":"project/middle-school-reading-book-sets-needed/9693633/","projectTitle":"Middle School Reading Book Sets Needed!","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":281,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":88,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.2,"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"}