{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dirksen Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10180678,"projectId":10296335,"letterContent":"As the final bell rings and we send our 3rd graders off into summer, I wanted to reach out and express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous funding of our end of year celebration. Because of your support every student in our classroom experienced the unforgettable magic of travelling through school years end earning prizes for sharing their stories.\r\nThank you for partnering with us, for believing in our students, and for making the conclusion of this school year so deeply meaningful. We are profoundly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1779138088039,"projectUrl":"project/last-day-of-3rd-grade/10296335/","projectTitle":"Last Day of 3rd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Galstyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10180678"},{"teacherId":8638280,"projectId":10191374,"letterContent":"Thanks again for thinking of us and for your wonderful generosity! When you look at a lamp or a collection of aquarium pieces, it is easy to see them simply as objects. However, in our space, they represent something much greater: the creation of a welcoming, engaging, and peaceful atmosphere.\r\n An aquarium is never just a tank of water; ecosystem and a centerpiece of shared curiosity and joy. Your donation of accessories allows us to create a vibrant, stimulating, and beautiful underwater world.","fullyFundedDate":1780098972810,"projectUrl":"project/happy-classroom-with-a-fish-tank-and-pla/10191374/","projectTitle":"Happy Classroom with a Fish Tank and Plants","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":10202250,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful and immediate impact on our classroom, especially as our students begin building the foundational skills they need to become confident readers.\r\n\r\nThe Lakeshore Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs have quickly become one of the most engaging and effective tools in our literacy instruction. Because of your support, students are now able to see, touch, hear, and interact with materials that make letter-sound connections come alive. These hands-on manipulatives have transformed abstract concepts into concrete learning experiences that young children can truly grasp.\r\n\r\nDuring whole-group lessons, small reading groups, and literacy centers, students eagerly explore the tubs—sorting objects by beginning sounds, matching letters to items, and practicing phonemic awareness in playful, meaningful ways. Their excitement is unmistakable. They are more focused, more confident, and more willing to take risks as they learn.\r\n\r\nFor many of our preschoolers, this is their first introduction to structured literacy learning. These materials have given them a strong, joyful start. They are building essential early reading skills while also developing independence, curiosity, and a love for learning.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than provide resources—it has opened doors for our youngest learners and set them on a path toward future reading success. Thank you for believing in the power of early literacy and for investing in our students' growth.","fullyFundedDate":1777925888285,"projectUrl":"project/little-ears-big-sounds-learning-the-al/10202250/","projectTitle":"Little Ears, Big Sounds: Learning the Alphabet","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":8638280,"projectId":10295512,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and me, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of a pair of noise-canceling headphones, a microphone, and a camera to our classroom. Your thoughtful contribution will make a significant difference in our learning environment. The new equipment will greatly enhance our ability to participate, create engaging projects, and foster better communication. It will also help our students focus and express themselves more confidently, both in and out of the classroom. Thank you for supporting our educational journey and for believing in the potential of every student. Your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1779646965906,"projectUrl":"project/happy-environment-for-all/10295512/","projectTitle":"Happy 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":1997435,"projectId":10174959,"letterContent":"The Impact of Your Generosity was an incredible success!\r\nThe arrival of the display tripods brought a lot of excitment! When my students first saw the materials being unpacked, their eyes lit up with anticipation thinking about the final look of the gallery. This simple shift in resources completely changed their perspective on the assignment. They realized that their artwork and the personal stories of their family heritage were not just routine classwork, but valuable creations meant to be honored and shared with the community.\r\n\r\nWe used the tripods to host our formal Heritage Gallery, and the impact was profound. A particularly moving moment occurred during our gallery walk when a student looked at her project and started jumping up and down while thanking for this experience. Your donation truly gave them a stage, transforming a space into an immersive cultural exchange that fostered a deep sense of pride and belonging.\r\n\r\nWith our gallery showcase successfully wrapped up, our next steps will build upon this newfound confidence. Moving forward, the art pieces will be put on a slide show to be shared as an example looking to impact other students, so they may also lift their voices and traditions. Thank you for investing in our students and for showing them that their roots, identity and outstanding work is worth celebrating!","fullyFundedDate":1777386747156,"projectUrl":"project/heritage-project-celebrating-our-roots/10174959/","projectTitle":"Heritage Project: Celebrating Our Roots","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Skores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1997435_orig.jpg?crop=704,704,x111,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778204382677","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1997435"},{"teacherId":8722106,"projectId":9766028,"letterContent":"I want to first thank you from the bottom of my heart supporting my Plants in PreK project. Having the materials and opportunity to plant seeds, observe, document and care for plants has increased engagement, understanding of the life cycle of plants and patience in the classroom. As a blended preschool classroom I thrive to have each and every child included and validate that what they do matters regardless of their adversity. Each and every child loved not only playing in the dirt, setting seeds but also caring for plants and watching them grow. Not only are our plants growing in preschool but so is each student! I cannot thank you enough for giving me this opportunity to give students an understanding of how to plant, care for and enjoy what they have grown.","fullyFundedDate":1770535074163,"projectUrl":"project/plants-in-pre-k/9766028/","projectTitle":"Plants in Pre-K!","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":329559,"projectId":9587068,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project, Collaborative Art-Making and Exploration. Your generosity provided our students with Kwik Stix Tempera Paint, Crayola Watercolor Paint Sets, and paper that made meaningful creative experiences possible in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donations, students were able to work together with their peers to create colorful collaborative posters and banners that spread kindness and positivity throughout our school community. Through the process of creating art together, students strengthened their bonds with one another, built confidence in their artistic abilities, and experienced the importance of teamwork and community.\r\n\r\nThe joy and pride they felt while sharing their ideas and encouraging each other was truly inspiring. Your support helped create opportunities for connection, creativity, and self-expression that will have a lasting impact on our students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and helping our students grow as artists, collaborators, and kind community members. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support.","fullyFundedDate":1764713761082,"projectUrl":"project/collaborative-art-making-and-exploration/9587068/","projectTitle":"Collaborative Art-Making and Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rowland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp329559_orig.jpg?crop=2695,2695,x506,y887&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754750085241","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/se-rowland"},{"teacherId":8638280,"projectId":9977867,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the outlets, Swiffer Starter Kit floor soap, and magnetic fish tank brush to our classroom. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated.\r\n\r\nThese supplies will help create a cleaner, safer, and more organized learning environment for my students. The materials will be put to great use, and your generosity positively impacts our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for thinking of our students and supporting our classroom needs. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1777630282553,"projectUrl":"project/clean-and-fair-environment-for-all/9977867/","projectTitle":"Clean And Fair 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":10180678,"projectId":10181851,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the transformative impact the Magic Pen Writing Project has had on our classroom environment and my students' literacy development over the past several weeks.\r\n Since integrating this initiative into our daily routine, there has been a palpable shift in how students approach the writing process. What was once viewed by many as a daunting or rote task has evolved into a highlight of our instructional day.\r\n The most immediate change was the surge in student motivation. The interactive nature of the project turned abstract concepts into a tactile experience. Students who previously struggled to put pencil to paper began advocating for their own learning, showing a newfound eagerness to participate in drafting and revising their work.\r\n The project has been particularly effective for students who are navigating language acquisition. By providing a clear, visual, and high-interest medium for practicing phonics and vocabulary, it lowered the affective filter in our room. \r\nPerhaps most importantly, the Magic Pen Project has reinforced our commitment to a growth mindset. Because the tools allow for easy correction and iterative practice, students have become less afraid of making mistakes. They now view errors as a natural part of the \"blending\" and building process rather than a final failure.\r\n This project has done more than just teach writing; it has built a community of confident, tech-savvy communicators. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring these resources into my classroom and look forward to seeing the long-term benefits on our year-end literacy goals.\r\n\r\nWarmly,","fullyFundedDate":1775569676951,"projectUrl":"project/magic-pens/10181851/","projectTitle":"Magic Pens","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Galstyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10180678"},{"teacherId":811959,"projectId":10133180,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generosity in helping bring this meaningful project to life for our Pre-K students. Because of your support, our young learners—many of whom are refugees adjusting to a new country, language, and school environment—now have a safe and empowering way to explore identity, belonging, and self-expression.\r\n\r\nThese new resources have already begun to make a powerful impact. Through creating self-portraits, students are engaging in age-appropriate conversations about who they are, what makes them unique, and how every person brings something special to our classroom community. This hands-on work has opened the door to thoughtful discussions about race, culture, and diversity in ways that feel natural and comfortable for young children.\r\n\r\nFor many of my refugee students, this project has offered something especially important: a chance to see themselves reflected, valued, and celebrated. When children feel safe and confident in their identities—without fear of being judged for their race, culture, or religion—they are better able to learn, participate, and thrive. Your support has helped create that sense of safety and belonging.\r\n\r\nWe have explored questions like \"What makes us unique?\" and \"What are some things that are special about different people?\" These conversations have strengthened our classroom community, helping students appreciate differences, recognize their own strengths, and build empathy for one another.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done more than fund materials—it has helped shape a more inclusive, welcoming environment where every child feels seen and supported. Thank you for believing in our students and for investing in their growth, confidence, and sense of belonging.","fullyFundedDate":1774467218837,"projectUrl":"project/many-cultures-many-stories-portraits-o/10133180/","projectTitle":"Many Cultures, Many Stories: Portraits of Belonging","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":811959,"projectId":10014286,"letterContent":"Every day in our Pre‑K classroom, I get to witness something extraordinary — children discovering who they are as learners for the very first time. Many of my students are stepping into a school environment with wide eyes and open hearts, unsure of what to expect but eager to explore. They come with curiosity, energy, and imaginations that seem to spill out of them. What they need most is a way to capture these moments — the small victories, the brave attempts, the joyful messes, the stories only they can tell.\r\n\r\nYour support will give them that.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, my students will create their own PK Memory Books, a project that becomes more than paper and glue. Each month, they will add pieces of themselves — a photo of a proud smile, a drawing that shows how their hands have grown steadier, a writing sample that reveals new confidence. They will decorate their pages with bright colors and punched shapes, turning simple materials into something deeply personal.\r\n\r\nBy the end of the year, each child will hold a book filled with evidence of their courage, their creativity, and their growth. For many families, this will be the first time they see their child's learning journey captured in such a meaningful way. These books become treasures — reminders of tiny hands learning to hold pencils, of friendships forming, of the joy that comes from discovering you can do something today that felt impossible yesterday.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps make their first school memories joyful, creative, and unforgettable. Thank you for giving my students a way to see themselves as capable, celebrated, and loved.","fullyFundedDate":1771700334280,"projectUrl":"project/wait-did-that-really-happen-a-pk-memo/10014286/","projectTitle":"“Wait… Did That Really Happen? A PK Memory Book”","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":8722106,"projectId":9594105,"letterContent":"I want to say thank you from the mountain tops! Having my Rugs for PreK project fully funded and having rugs for each center has made my classroom feel much more welcoming and also has created a clear boundary of each center. My students have taken a deep interest of outer space since adding the solar system rug to the science area and we dove deep into space exploration! I also have incorporated a custodian job in the classroom for students to take turns vacuuming the rugs and it has been giving each student a sense of responsibility and community in the classroom. Thank you again so very much for supporting my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1767191604539,"projectUrl":"project/rugs-for-pre-k/9594105/","projectTitle":"Rugs for Pre-K!","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5315","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1210,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":21,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":64,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"31.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.3,"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"}