{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John B Drake Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7638652,"projectId":9495574,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contribution to our classroom. For the past few years, I have moved classrooms and grade levels as our school population expanded and needs changed. The rug that was given to me years ago by my school was re-allocated to a different classroom in the midst of these changes. \r\n\r\nWhen preparing to teach 2nd grade this year, I knew I needed a rug for my primary students to hold morning meetings, small group time, and have a space for students to spread out and collaborate throughout the day. My school administrators informed me before the start of school that funds were not available for a classroom rug. Chicago Public Schools faced many budget cuts and still has a large deficit not meet by other available public funding. Supplying a rug out of my pocket would have been a personal financial stressor. Without your support, I fear my classroom would have gone without a collaboration space all year, and greatly impacted my students learning needs. \r\n\r\nSince receiving the new rug, students have been using it daily! It has become their favorite spot to work independently, and affords them the flexibility, comfort, and space needed to collaborate with peers. Myself and students are so thankful for your contribution to our classroom this year. This rug will continue to serve many students at Drake Elementary for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755719835365,"projectUrl":"project/creating-collaborative-spaces-rug-edit/9495574/","projectTitle":"Creating Collaborative Spaces - Rug Edition","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Van Dyke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7638652_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753285923206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7638652"},{"teacherId":8187153,"projectId":9316260,"letterContent":"Thanks to you, each student in our Pre-K class received a special book to take home—serving as both a farewell gift and a spark for lifelong reading.\r\n\r\nThese books allowed me to write personal notes to each child, sharing my love of reading and encouraging theirs. Many of the stories I have read has helped students understand their emotions, develop empathy, and appreciate diverse characters and experiences. Through reading, they've learned not just words, but how to see the world through different eyes.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in their futures and believing in the power of stories.","fullyFundedDate":1746699625832,"projectUrl":"project/end-of-year-books-for-tomorrows-leaders/9316260/","projectTitle":"End-of-Year Books for Tomorrow's Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hunter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8187153_orig.png?crop=1128,1128,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705972789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8187153"},{"teacherId":7955186,"projectId":9317415,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to the project Reading for Success. The students were so excited to see so many new books added to the library. They especially love the Dogman books. That was one of the popular books, during independent reading time.\r\nIt was so nice to have so many new books for the students to choose from. It makes such a difference when students have books that they are interested in. It really opens up and helps them develop a love for reading.\r\nI would not have been able to add more books the library without the generosity of donors like yourself.","fullyFundedDate":1746698778857,"projectUrl":"project/reading-for-success/9317415/","projectTitle":"Reading for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fitzgerald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7955186_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632453615078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7955186"},{"teacherId":7638652,"projectId":9157412,"letterContent":"My 3rd graders were so excited to see the boxes of supplies arrive at the school! We opened the boxes right away and put the supplies to use. Students were so happy to have tissues to take care of themselves in these seasonal allergy months. They said it was much better than the paper towel rolls we had been using from the bathroom supply closet. \r\n\r\nHaving boxes of Clorox wipes was a huge help in our day to day clean up routine. When it was time to clean up at the end of the day, students knew where to find the wipes and get to work. These also helped with cleaning up before and after our end of the year celebrations. \r\n\r\nThank you for your support! 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The students also use the markers and crayons during free time to make beautiful art. Thanks again for giving to this project.","fullyFundedDate":1739420293602,"projectUrl":"project/experimental-learning/8965068/","projectTitle":"Experimental Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fitzgerald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7955186_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632453615078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7955186"},{"teacherId":7955186,"projectId":8921075,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to the flexible seating project. The students enjoy sitting on the beanbag . The students are able to move the beanbag around and choose where they want to sit in the classroom. The beanbag is very comfortable and students love sitting on it. Having flexible seating in the classroom makes it a more comfortable environment for students. 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John B Drake Elementary School

Join the 350 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

John B Drake Elementary School is an urban public school in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299. It serves 301 students in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.3:1. Its teachers have had 89 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 8

301 Students

21 Teachers

2710 S Dearborn St Ste 3

Chicago, IL 60616 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

John B Drake Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Bruce

Mr. Choi

Dr. Claudia Rosetta Butler

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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John B Drake Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

98%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

John B Drake Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

John B Drake Elementary School

$50,338

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

350

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

project for art supplies

John B Drake Elementary School has received support from 233 individuals from Illinois and 117 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

John B Drake Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

John B Drake Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

John B Drake Elementary School Demographics

John B Drake Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

John B Drake Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.