{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":40.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":9595579,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity in bringing three beautiful rugs and a rug sweep broom into our classroom. These new additions have already made a remarkable difference in the way my students learn and interact in our space. Even though rugs might seem like simple classroom items, the impact they have had on the atmosphere and the students' daily experience has been truly meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhen I first rolled the rugs out, my students were absolutely wowed. Their eyes grew wide, and they watched every movement with excitement and curiosity. Several of them literally froze in place because they didn't want to step on the rugs and \"mess them up.\" It was a moment filled with so much joy and appreciation. They could feel immediately that these rugs were something special—something meant to make our classroom feel more comfortable, welcoming, and calming.\r\n\r\nOnce they got over the initial hesitation, it didn't take long before the rugs became the place everyone wanted to be. From the very first day, the most common question I heard was, \"Can I lay on the rug to do my work?\" Students have been eager to read there, write there, solve math problems there, and even just take a quiet moment to reset. The coziness of the space seems to help them settle their minds and bodies, especially during busy parts of the day.\r\n\r\nOne of the rugs now serves as our calm, quiet corner, and the students absolutely love the peacefulness it brings to the room. They often describe it as feeling \"calm,\" \"soft,\" and \"cozy,\" and many choose this spot when they need a moment to breathe or refocus. Having a dedicated area that truly feels soothing has helped students regroup without feeling singled out or overwhelmed. It has become a gentle tool for supporting emotional regulation and independence.\r\n\r\nAnother rug naturally evolved into a shared workspace where students gather for group activities, partner work, and class discussions. Something about sitting together in a comfortable space brings out more conversation, more collaboration, and more confidence. Students who normally stay quiet at their desks are suddenly willing to share their thinking in this relaxed environment. It has become a place that encourages connection and community.\r\n\r\nThe third rug often becomes a flexible space during lessons—a spot where students can choose to sit, stretch out, or work at their own pace. Some students who struggle to focus at traditional desks find that being on the rug helps them stay more engaged and motivated. It has offered a different kind of workspace that meets students where they are and supports how they learn best.\r\n\r\nThe rug sweep broom has also been a helpful and practical addition. It allows us to keep these spaces clean and inviting, and the students take great pride in helping care for the rugs. Giving them the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness of an area they love has created a sense of ownership and respect.\r\n\r\nAs we continue with our current lessons and upcoming units, these rugs will remain central parts of our daily routines. Whether students are reading, collaborating, practicing math, calming their bodies, or simply finding a comfortable place to learn, the impact of your kindness is felt every single day. Your support has made our classroom feel more like a home—a calm and welcoming space where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and giving my students something they truly cherish. Your generosity has made more of a difference than you know.","fullyFundedDate":1760705523790,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rugs-learning-together-in-a-b/9595579/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rugs: Learning Together in a Bright, Welcoming Space","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":10173970,"projectId":9585123,"letterContent":"My sincerest thank you for contributing to my classroom this year! Because of your kindness and generosity, my students now have access to materials that make speech and language therapy meaningful and fun. \r\n\r\nAll of my students are learning to find their voices - whether that means producing new sounds, building vocabulary, forming sentences, accessing augmentative and alternative communication methods, or gaining the confidence to communicate with others. The resources you helped fund are already making a clear difference: I've seen smiles, heard laughter, and witnessed incredible moments as my students use these tools to express themselves in new ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in the power of communication. Your contribution goes far beyond the classroom, helping my students interact with the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1755545262641,"projectUrl":"project/read-talk-play-repeat-integrating-la/9585123/","projectTitle":"Read, Talk, Play, Repeat: Integrating Language, Literacy, and Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shultz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10173970_orig.jpg?crop=1984,1984,x0,y410&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755490252782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10173970"},{"teacherId":9860199,"projectId":9589045,"letterContent":"Our new clay supplies and tools have brought an exciting, hands-on learning experience into our classroom. One of our first projects was creating small clay sugar skulls for the Day of the Dead, and it was wonderful to see students who are often hesitant with new tasks become fully engaged with pressing, rolling, and shaping the clay with confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were immediately drawn to them. They eagerly wanted to work with clay and new tools. The diverse learner students were able to fully participate, sculpting their own sugar skull designs.\r\n\r\nThese clay tools will continue to support our students' fine-motor development, sensory exploration, and creative expression. Our next steps are to create superhero masks using supplies from your donations. Your generosity has made these meaningful hands-on experiences possible, and I am truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755710898083,"projectUrl":"project/shaping-dreams-equipping-students-for-c/9589045/","projectTitle":"Shaping Dreams: Equipping Students for Clay Masterpieces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hansen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9860199_orig.jpg?crop=502,502,x0,y16&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737994157057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9860199"},{"teacherId":10173970,"projectId":9621102,"letterContent":"My sincerest thank you for contributing to my classroom this year! Because of your kindness and generosity, my students now have access to materials that make speech and language therapy meaningful and fun. \r\n\r\nAll of my students are learning to find their voices - whether that means producing new sounds, building vocabulary, forming sentences, accessing augmentative and alternative communication methods, or gaining the confidence to communicate with others. The resources you helped fund are already making a clear difference: I've seen smiles, heard laughter, and witnessed incredible moments as my students use these tools to express themselves in new ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in the power of communication. Your contribution goes far beyond the classroom, helping my students interact with the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1755712627367,"projectUrl":"project/creating-an-engaging-learning-environmen/9621102/","projectTitle":"Creating An Engaging Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shultz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10173970_orig.jpg?crop=1984,1984,x0,y410&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755490252782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10173970"},{"teacherId":10177077,"projectId":9595473,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your heartfelt donations of your hard earned money to my students. Every year, teachers and therapists reach out to people like you to help supply our offices and every year you guys show up! We appreciate it so much - and the kids do too. \r\n\r\nI am an Occupational Therapist and I provide my kids at school the opportunity to learn skills that are more challenging for them to grasp compared to their peers. Through your donation, you have supported me in being able to keep these kids on a path of success. They have been able to try new things, be challenged, and have fun while doing so. \r\n\r\nThank you for your help!","fullyFundedDate":1755384680759,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-grow/9595473/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Abby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10177077_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755198031334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ot-ms-abby"},{"teacherId":9869617,"projectId":9199324,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our students have been thriving with the new outdoor play equipment and resources. Many of our children don't have safe or accessible places to play when they leave school, so having these materials has opened up a whole new world for them. They now have the opportunity to run, jump, climb, and explore in a safe and engaging environment that encourages physical activity. \r\n\r\nAs a result, we were able to get more outside time since we only had gym once a week. \r\nWe've seen noticeable improvement in their gross motor skills, coordination, and overall confidence. Playtime has become a cherished part of their day, where they not only move their bodies but also learn how to work together, share, and problem-solve.\r\n\r\nOne especially memorable moment was when the students first saw the new outdoor materials—pure joy lit up their faces. They immediately formed games together, helping one another and communicating more than ever before. We've noticed how their conversations during play have become richer and more thoughtful, building social and intellectual skills naturally through movement and fun. \r\n\r\nA recent class project involved creating obstacle courses together, where students took turns designing challenges for their peers and giving feedback. This encouraged teamwork, creativity, and language development. Looking ahead, we're incorporating these experiences into a unit on teamwork and community, where students will explore the value of cooperation in and out of the classroom. Your support has truly helped us create a space where play becomes powerful learning—thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1746787022398,"projectUrl":"project/overcoming-resource-gaps-outdoor-toys-a/9199324/","projectTitle":"Overcoming Resource Gaps: Outdoor Toys Are Essential for Kindergarten Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willaby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9869617"},{"teacherId":7827086,"projectId":9087407,"letterContent":"These new materials have transformed the way my students interact with both peers and teachers. With engaging, hands-on tools available, students are initiating more communication and participating more fully in classroom activities. They are able to connect with their classmates in meaningful ways—whether it's working together to build something, playing a turn-taking game, or sharing ideas with their teachers. The manipulatives have created natural opportunities for interaction, making communication a joyful and shared experience.\r\n\r\nStudents are now expressing themselves through multiple means of communication, including speech, sign language, gestures, and AAC devices. These resources have made it easier for them to request their favorite items, label what they see, and share their thoughts. As a result, they are more motivated to engage in therapeutic activities, seeing them not just as work, but as a chance to connect and be heard.\r\n\r\nI have also seen a noticeable increase in my students' interest in letters, sounds, and early literacy concepts. Many are exploring alphabet manipulatives and literacy-based games independently, which has led to more consistent use of their AAC devices for labeling letters and words. The combination of increased motivation, accessible communication tools, and engaging literacy activities has empowered my students to take a more active role in their own learning, setting the stage for continued growth and success.","fullyFundedDate":1742936213712,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-voices-communication-tools-fo/9087407/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Voices: Communication Tools for Our Young Learners","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":7827086,"projectId":9229182,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have more access to core vocabulary through engaging, diverse books, and the results have been amazing. These stories have given my students the tools and motivation to speak, sign, and use their AAC devices more often during our sessions. The repetition, clear visuals, and meaningful themes in these books make it easier for my students to connect language to their daily lives. I'm already seeing them initiate more communication, use new words, and share their thoughts in ways that feel natural and empowering for them.\r\n\r\nAn equally exciting change is their growing love of reading. Before this project, I often had to choose the book for our speech sessions because my students weren't yet showing strong preferences. Now, they often come into my room already knowing which book they want to read. They are drawn to these stories because they see themselves in the characters, including students with different communication styles, backgrounds, and abilities, making reading more personal and engaging. This sense of ownership and connection has transformed reading from a teacher-led activity into something my students actively request.\r\n\r\nBeyond speech sessions, these books are helping make the larger school-wide curriculum more accessible for my high-needs students. The relatable, developmentally appropriate content bridges the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what my students can meaningfully understand and connect to. They now have entry points into grade-level themes and discussions, allowing them to participate more fully alongside their peers. Your support has not only filled my shelves with incredible books, it has opened up new pathways for communication, confidence, and connection for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1744212159602,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-language-based-library/9229182/","projectTitle":"Building a Language-Based Library","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":9871645,"projectId":9241923,"letterContent":"Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your generosity. Because of your support, our second-grade classroom is now better equipped, cleaner, more organized, and—most importantly—filled with joyful learning experiences. The items you helped fund have not only enhanced our academic activities, but they've also helped us create a safer, calmer, and more inspiring learning environment for every child in our room.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were thrilled. As we unpacked the boxes, their faces lit up with curiosity and excitement. From the Stacey Abrams book set to the feelings board books for our calming corner, each item found an immediate and meaningful purpose. These beautifully written books sparked rich discussions about confidence, courage, and using your voice. Students connected with Stacey's journey and were eager to share their own \"extraordinary words.\" One student even said, \"I want to be like Stacey and help people too!\"\r\n\r\nThe leveled library books and classroom writing tablets are now core parts of our reading block and literacy centers. Students use the mini LCD writing tablets during word work and phonics games, while the dry erase whiteboards, markers, and write & wipe pockets help us practice everything from sentence structure to math problems in an interactive, low-pressure way. The triangular crayons are a hit—perfect for little hands—and now part of both creative writing and SEL journaling.\r\n\r\nCleanliness and safety remain a top priority, and your donation of hand sanitizer, tissues, Lysol spray, Clorox and CaviWipes disinfecting wipes has kept our classroom healthy and germ-free, especially during cold and allergy season. Students have learned routines around wiping down desks and sanitizing hands, and they've taken ownership of keeping their learning environment clean and safe for everyone. It's been empowering to see how proud they are to contribute in that way.\r\n\r\nYou also helped us bring structure and organization to our classroom. The magnetic storage boxes, clips, and supply containers have made it easier for students to find what they need and put things away independently. The bulletin board borders, number line, and telling time posters have brightened our room and given students clear, visible tools to support their learning.\r\n\r\nThe craft supplies, stencils, glue sticks, and pencils have added a creative spark to our afternoons. We've started an \"Author & Illustrator\" project where students write short stories and illustrate their own books using these materials. Thanks to the laminating pouches, we're even able to preserve and display their work—something they take great pride in.\r\n\r\nFinally, the treasure chest prizes we purchased (using some of the classroom items like markers, erasers, and crayons) have become a cornerstone of our classroom behavior and incentive system. Students earn rewards for kindness, responsibility, and academic effort. It's been wonderful to see how motivated and proud they are to reach into the prize box after a week of hard work.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our classroom in such a big way. Because of you, our learning space is more engaging, more organized, and more supportive of each child's academic and emotional growth. Your kindness is making a real and lasting impact on our second graders every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1745970166140,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-classroom-materials/9241923/","projectTitle":"Reading and Classroom Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hawthorne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871645"},{"teacherId":9857616,"projectId":9037656,"letterContent":"Our Children were so very grateful, many of them until the last day needed many uniform items. They were so grateful to have some where to go to and their judge because they don't have or can't get because of certain family situation. I had one child so grateful that she cried because her mother told her to put on her sister's pants that were too big, she came in and whispered because she was embarrassed. I was able to give her a nice and clean uniform first thing in the morning, which made her day!!\r\n\r\nChildren need to feel like they have a safe place that they can come to with out others judging them in no way. Having the uniforms really helps and lets our students know that no matter what we are always here to have look the part and no one is able to single them out. We are always here for them.","fullyFundedDate":1742823937272,"projectUrl":"project/please-help-my-students-feel-dress-for-s/9037656/","projectTitle":"Please Help My Students Feel Dress for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9857616"},{"teacherId":5153686,"projectId":8661529,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our learners with the materials needed for success! They use the materials daily and it has helped them grow tremendously. As a special education teacher I worry that I don't have the things to support the various levels of learners. Your donation has helped with learners that need different ways of learning. Learners that use different modalities like kinesthetic, visual, auditory, and tactile learning. Again without donors like you I really don't know how I could have supported my students to the fullest extent possible. Again many thanks.","fullyFundedDate":1733251348302,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-and-1st-grade-diverse-learn/8661529/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten And 1st grade Diverse Learners Support Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pickens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5153686"},{"teacherId":9869550,"projectId":8998373,"letterContent":"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity. My students are apprehensive to books as their reading levels are not what they should be for their grade-level. I've spent a majority of the year trying to find ways to get them excited about reading and it wasn't until they picked up their first graphic novel that I realized that was the key. My students have been choosing to read a book (specifically \"Diary of a Wimpy Kid\" and other graphic novels) in our reading corner with their fun egg chairs. It's been an absolute joy to see their attitudes change and a spark for reading come into their lives.\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the new materials, the students were ecstatic. They love the chance to sit in a flexible seating and it makes them more excited to read. The headphones were something I knew the students would be obsessed with and I was not wrong. They love having the ability to listen to music as they work when on the computer as this was not an option before. \r\n\r\nI am hoping to continue on this trajectory of students discovering the power of reading. The next steps start with students choosing books when they have free time. Once they find the joy in that kind of escape, I am hoping to create an optional book club that gives students to read for fun and talk about what they read with their classmates. I want to say goodbye to the Literacy Crisis and hello to our future Book Lovers and leaders of the world.","fullyFundedDate":1740690417104,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-crisis-who-my-students-are-fin/8998373/","projectTitle":"Literacy Crisis Who? My Students Are Finding Fun in Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Bannon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9869550_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753201113855","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9869550"}],"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":60.0,"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"}