{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dirksen Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8638280,"projectId":10312687,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of hands-on classroom materials and art supplies. Your support brings creativity and interactive learning into our classroom every day.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for contributing: Crayola Glitter Markers (Assorted Colors) – Vibrant, fun markers that bring excitement and sparkle to student projects and visual Anchor charts. Origami Paper – Fantastic paper supplies for fine-motor practice, art projects, and creative hands-on activities. Assorted Colors Construction Paper – Essential supplies for everyday artwork, background displays, and student creations.\r\nMath Magnetic Tiles Classroom Set – Engaging, tactile manipulatives that help students visualize geometric concepts, spatial awareness, and collaborative math problem-solving. Generous contributions like yours enrich our learning environment and make learning both fun and accessible for our students. Thank you once again for your kindness and dedication to supporting our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1789415870517,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-and-creativity-for/10312687/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence and Creativity For All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8638280_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722975027960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anelly-williams"},{"teacherId":8638280,"projectId":10465605,"letterContent":"I want to express my sincere gratitude for your thoughtful donation of classroom and learning supplies. Your generosity helps support both our daily classroom organization and engaging hands-on activities for our students.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for contributing: Mini Activity Books for Kids – Fun, hands-on activity books that keep students engaged while building independent learning and fine-motor skills. 28-Pack Plastic Planters with Drainage Holes – Fantastic containers that will allow our students to participate in hands-on science projects and plant-care lessons. Long Flat Extension Cord – A practical addition that helps keep our learning stations powered safely and efficiently and Eulps Mouse Pad with Wrist Rest – A comfortable and supportive addition to our teacher and learning workstation.","fullyFundedDate":1788959177492,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-writing-tools-for-all/10465605/","projectTitle":"Empowering Writing Tools for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8638280_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722975027960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anelly-williams"},{"teacherId":8638280,"projectId":10346545,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire community, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your thoughtful and generous donation. Your contribution helps create a peaceful, inspiring, and focused environment that supports our daily work and well-being.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for providing: Motivational Quote Pens – Daily reminders that inspire creative thinking and positivity as we write and plan. Zen Art Brass Feng Shui Desktop Gong – A unique and grounding piece that adds balance and mindfulness to our workspace. Gorilla Grip Waterproof Indoor Relaxation Desktop Fountain Waterfall – A soothing addition that brings calming background sounds, fostering focus and stress relief during busy days. Your support and thoughtfulness mean so much to us. Thank you once again for investing in our space and well-being!","fullyFundedDate":1790628206584,"projectUrl":"project/calm-and-positive-inclusive-environment/10346545/","projectTitle":"Calm and Positive Inclusive Environment for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8638280_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722975027960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anelly-williams"},{"teacherId":8638280,"projectId":10471788,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now equipped with:\r\n\r\nMagnetic Short Vowels Word Building Boards & Magnetic Long Vowels Word Building Boards – Essential tools for helping early readers map vowel sounds and build foundational phonemic awareness. Sight-Word Magnets, CVC Word Magnets, and Prefix & Suffix Magnets – Hands-on manipulatives that make vocabulary building, decoding, and grammar concepts engaging and accessible. 24 Bulk Mini Coloring Books for Kids – Creative resources that support fine-motor skills, focus, and reward positive learning milestones. Interactive, hands-on materials like these transform how children engage with reading. By turning phonics practice into a tactile, interactive experience, you are helping young learners build the confidence they need to succeed academically. Thank you once again for your commitment to our students and for investing in their future.\r\n\r\nWarm regards,","fullyFundedDate":1788555290432,"projectUrl":"project/active-engage-in-oral-skills-for-all/10471788/","projectTitle":"Active Engage In Oral Skills For All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8638280_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722975027960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anelly-williams"},{"teacherId":811959,"projectId":10385594,"letterContent":"In our classroom, 20 bright, curious Pre-K students are embarking on one of the most foundational journeys of their lives: learning English while discovering the world around them. As English Language Learners (ELLs), these children bring incredible potential, rich backgrounds, and an eagerness to learn. However, acquiring a new language requires high-quality, engaging materials designed specifically to meet their developmental needs.\r\n\r\nWhen we read and work through the \"My Big World with Clifford,\" magazine together, the classroom lights up with genuine joy and curiosity. The moment Clifford and his real-world adventures appear, the children lean in close, eagerly pointing at the colorful photographs, shouting out new words they recognize, and proudly sharing their ideas. Completing the hands-on activity pages transforms lesson time into a celebratory experience where every child feels confident and excited to participate, regardless of their starting English proficiency.\r\n\r\n For young ELL students, visual and interactive learning is critical. \"My Big World with Clifford\" brings nonfiction content to life through accessible language and engaging themes. This resource directly impacts our students by:\r\nBuilding Core Vocabulary & Literacy: Interactive stories and bright visuals expand their English vocabulary and strengthen early reading readiness. Expanding Background Knowledge: Nonfiction articles introduce science, social studies, and seasonal concepts in a fun, relatable way that sparks endless questions.\r\n By sponsoring our subscription, you are placing high-quality learning tools directly into the hands of 20 enthusiastic young children. Access to these materials nurtures essential language development, builds academic confidence, and keeps their excitement for learning growing day after day.","fullyFundedDate":1785182587364,"projectUrl":"project/learning-made-fun-one-page-at-a-time/10385594/","projectTitle":"Learning Made Fun, One Page at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ewa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp811959_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757879689199","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/811959"},{"teacherId":10180678,"projectId":10429401,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contributions to our Back-to-School classroom project. Because of your support, our project is now fully funded!\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, our classroom is equipped with essential resources and learning tools that will directly benefit our students as we kick off the new school year. Having these supplies available from day one creates a welcoming, supportive, and engaging environment where every child feels prepared and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nYour belief in our students and investment in their education means more than words can express. Thank you for making a lasting difference in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1789609778255,"projectUrl":"project/welcome-back/10429401/","projectTitle":"Welcome Back!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Galstyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10180678"},{"teacherId":2693200,"projectId":5571683,"letterContent":"The basketballs and equipment we received were amazing and has helped us continue to grow our program. \r\n\r\nWe are able to field 3 girls teams now, in addition to having 3 boys teams. From a school where soccer is the most popular sport, to see basketball grow and continue to grow is a big success. \r\n\r\nI am most proud of the growth of my girls' program to be able to continue to provide athletic opportunities for girls who come from countries where athletics is not readily available to them. \r\n\r\nThis has made a huge impact in being able to sustain my athletic programs.","fullyFundedDate":1621292542531,"projectUrl":"project/hard-work-pays-off-in-basketball/5571683/","projectTitle":"Hard Work Pays Off in Basketball","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maloney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-maloney"},{"teacherId":2693200,"projectId":5571322,"letterContent":"This helped my students who are refugee students being able to learn during PE class. One of the the most beautiful parts of physical education class is that sports transcends through language and culture. Teaching students from all over the world, it was difficult to teach students who didn't speak the same language.\r\n\r\nThis equipment has directly helped to facilitate learning across multiple grade levels and languages. \r\nIt has allowed us to be creative with our units and direct learning activities. \r\n\r\nMy students are so excited and happy to have this gear.","fullyFundedDate":1621559790673,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-inclusive-pe/5571322/","projectTitle":"Colorful Inclusive PE","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maloney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-maloney"},{"teacherId":8722106,"projectId":9964120,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous donation to my project STEM for All! Because of your kindness my students have new hands-on materials to explore how things work, build fine motor skills, and spark an early curiosity for science, technology, engineering, and math. Watching my students eyes light up as they experiment and create together is truly special. We could not have provided these engaging learning moments without the support of wonderful community members like you. Thank you again for investing in our students and helping lay a strong foundation for their future learning!","fullyFundedDate":1778116150656,"projectUrl":"project/stem-for-all/9964120/","projectTitle":"STEM for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorenz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8722106_orig.jpg?crop=1980,1980,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663955348531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8722106"},{"teacherId":8638280,"projectId":10459036,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our DonorsChoose project and for your generous donation of tote bags, a cold glass pitcher, tablecloths, and motivational pens. My students and I are incredibly grateful for your kindness and support.\r\n\r\nAs a 3rd-grade teacher, I strive to create a welcoming, organized, and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and inspired to learn. Your donation will help us build a positive classroom community and support our daily classroom activities.\r\n\r\nThe tote bags will help students keep materials organized and transport learning resources safely. The tablecloths will transform our classroom tables into inviting learning spaces for collaborative projects, small-group instruction, and special classroom events. The cold glass pitcher will support our classroom gatherings and celebrations, helping foster a sense of community and belonging. The motivational pens will encourage students to take pride in their work while reinforcing a growth mindset and positive attitude toward learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students will benefit from a classroom environment that promotes organization, collaboration, and motivation. Thank you for investing in their success and helping create a space where they can learn, grow, and thrive.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\n\r\nANELLY\r\n3rd-Grade Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1788117725911,"projectUrl":"project/welcoming-classroom-environment-for-all/10459036/","projectTitle":"Welcoming Classroom Environment for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8638280_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722975027960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anelly-williams"},{"teacherId":8638280,"projectId":10189525,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of the Write a Super Sentence resource, Writing Fabulous Sentences & Paragraphs materials, HAMIGAR White Board for Wall, and Tactical 1000 Raffle Tickets. Your support provides valuable tools that will help my 3rd-grade students grow as writers, communicators, and learners.\r\n\r\nThe writing resources will support students in developing strong sentence structure, expanding their vocabulary, and writing detailed paragraphs. These materials will help build confidence in writing while strengthening literacy skills across all subject areas.\r\n\r\nThe wall-mounted whiteboard will provide an interactive space where students can practice writing, share ideas, collaborate with peers, and participate in engaging lessons. The raffle tickets will help reinforce positive behavior, celebrate student achievements, and encourage active participation in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps create a supportive, engaging, and culturally responsive learning environment where all students have opportunities to succeed. Thank you for investing in my students and making a positive difference in their educational journey.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1786133584552,"projectUrl":"project/a-voice-amplifier-for-listening-a-read-a/10189525/","projectTitle":"A Voice Amplifier for Listening a Read Aloud","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8638280_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722975027960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anelly-williams"},{"teacherId":811959,"projectId":10195448,"letterContent":"Thank you for considering a gift to our Pre‑K scooter project. Your generosity has the power to transform our students' daily learning in ways that reach far beyond physical activity.\r\n\r\nScooters create meaningful opportunities for young children to grow, explore, and build confidence. When our students ride, they strengthen essential gross‑motor skills—developing balance, coordination, core strength, and body awareness. These skills form the foundation for future movement, handwriting, self‑regulation, and classroom readiness.\r\n\r\nBut the impact doesn't stop at physical development. Scooter activities naturally teach cooperation, turn‑taking, and teamwork as children share space, wait patiently for their turn, and cheer one another on. They learn to follow directions, solve problems, and navigate simple challenges during guided movement games or obstacle courses. These experiences help build resilience, independence, and joyful engagement with learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived in our classroom, the excitement was unforgettable. Our students' faces lit up with pure joy—wide eyes, big smiles, and happy chatter filling the room. They gathered around the boxes, guessing what might be inside, bouncing with anticipation. The moment we opened them, the classroom erupted in cheers. Their enthusiasm showed just how meaningful these scooters are to them. That joy is something your support makes possible.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, movement is how they make sense of the world. Scooters provide valuable sensory input that helps them regulate their energy, stay focused, and feel confident in their bodies. They bring excitement to our PE time and create moments of joy that ripple into the rest of the school day.\r\n\r\nYour support—whether big or small—directly impacts our classroom. By helping us bring scooters into our Pre‑K program, you are giving our students tools that strengthen their bodies, build their social skills, and nurture their love of learning through movement.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our little learners grow stronger, braver, and more confident every day.","fullyFundedDate":1780092609381,"projectUrl":"project/wheels-for-wellness-rolling-toward-moto/10195448/","projectTitle":"Wheels for Wellness: Rolling Toward Motor Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ewa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp811959_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757879689199","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/811959"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5315","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1259,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":20,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":66,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"33.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.0,"schoolId":5315,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dirksen Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dirksen Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/dirksen-elementary-school/5315"}