{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edward K. Duke Ellington Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6188046,"projectId":9886332,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and support to ensure our students have classroom supplies. We appreciate your contribution and continued support. \r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity, kindness, and support to ensure our students have classroom supplies. We appreciate your contribution and continued support. \r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity, kindness, and support to ensure our students have classroom supplies. We appreciate your contribution and continued support. We look forward to working with you all.","fullyFundedDate":1764690887344,"projectUrl":"project/inspired-to-learn/9886332/","projectTitle":"Inspired To Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Irma J. Freeman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6188046_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579291371833","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6188046"},{"teacherId":6188046,"projectId":9884534,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and contribution to the students. We distributed the warm gear to students during the winter coldest days of the year. Thank you for helping us keep our students warm.\r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity and contribution to the students. We distributed the warm gear to students during the winter coldest days of the year. Thank you for helping us keep our students.\r\n\r\nYour kindness will never be forgotten and the support is greatly appreciated. We look forward to working with you in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1763592422488,"projectUrl":"project/warm-and-ready/9884534/","projectTitle":"Warm and Ready!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Irma J. Freeman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6188046_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579291371833","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6188046"},{"teacherId":8698964,"projectId":9790941,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my project, \"Tools for Tiny Scholars\"! Because of your generosity, I've been able to bring new, engaging materials to my PreK social work sessions. Everything—truly everything—I received has been used and so loved by my students.\r\n\r\nThe marine life sensory lap pad quickly became a favorite. My PreK students become noticeably calmer and more focused as they look at the moving water and sea animals. The Purrble interactive stuffed animal has been a wonderfully calming presence for my students. As students hold and gently pet Purrble to slow his heartbeat, they are also learning how to calm their own bodies. The 'Emotional Baggage' sets with plush stress balls have been a wonderful resource when a student needs help calming down. \r\n\r\nThe koala 'breathing pals' have been a hit with students from PreK through 8th grade. The koala came with the name 'Kyle' and the name stuck. My students say \"Hi, Kyle\" whenever they see him. I use Kyle to assist with teaching 4-7-8 breathing and he also sits on my desk as a calming light throughout the day. The sensory stickers have been a fun and motivating reward to give as a prize at the end of sessions. The emotions coin drop activity has also been used so many times—my PreK students gravitate toward it whenever I bring it into the classroom. The weighted stuffed animal bat (who we have named 'Lewis') brings comfort and security, offering students a big, weighted hug. \r\n\r\nThe rainbow timer has been incredibly helpful for keeping sessions on track, while also giving students a visual representation of how much time remains for an activity. The feelings check-in pocket chart has been used every single week since it arrived and is now the first activity in every group session. Students place a popsicle stick under the emotion they're feeling, helping them identify and express their feelings in a simple, visual way. It has helped tremendously in creating a consistent routine for our group sessions.\r\n\r\nOne item was out of stock when this project was filled, so the replacement items were Play-Doh and much-needed glue sticks for craft projects. Play-Doh is used regularly in PreK classrooms, and supplies tend to run low this time of year. I was able to provide each student in three PreK classrooms with their own container after a whole-class lesson.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your kindness and support of my students' well-being. You've helped create a more peaceful, nurturing environment where they can learn and grow. These materials have truly transformed my sessions for the better, and we will continue to use them for many years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1765414001750,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tiny-scholars/9790941/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tiny Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaLone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8698964_orig.jpg?crop=3456,3456,x881,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671482322803","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8698964"},{"teacherId":2940464,"projectId":9644456,"letterContent":"This project has had a major impact on my students! With your support, we were able to secure enough bottles for an additional grade level. The first group of students were so excited when the bottles arrived and were even more excited when we were finally ready to begin. I explained the testing process for the bottles, and I remodeled the sanding and painting process. The children understood that they would only receive one bottle, so their designs and prep work had to be thorough and correct. It was wonderful to see the hard work and dedication the students displayed when engaging in this project. I loved watching the children's talents blossom and grow and their designs are amazing! \r\nFirst of all, the children were excited to learn about the function of these bottles and were pleased to find out that these bottles will keep cold beverages cold for over 24 hours! I listened as they excitedly made plans for what they would do with the bottles once they were completed. \r\nWe were able to complete an initial set for the Winter Art Fair and both parents and students were able to view the wonderful and original designs by my students. There will be a second Art Fair in February when the next wave of bottles will be ready to be presented. I tell my students all the time that \"iron sharpens iron\", and it is their hard work that has influenced the next group of students to engage in this activity. \r\nWhen the second wave of students began to work on the water bottles, I was more amazed by the transformation of the attitudes of some of the participants. Some students that were a bit active and disruptive were able to settle down and focus on their designs. This project influenced some of my students that I didn't expect. My hyperactive students were able to settle down and focus and some of my withdrawn students were able to experiment more with color, design and even engage in conversations with their peers. \r\nOne of the goals of this project was to teach the students how they could customize an artifact, in this instance a water bottle. What happened over time is that my student grew and developed into true artists. They embraced the artistry of customization and have inspired other children to do the same. Since this project started, a day has not gone by without a child commenting on how much they would like to design a bottle of their own or adults working within the school telling me how much they like the work that my students have done.\r\nThe aftereffects of this project have far exceeded my expectations. I initially believed that this could be what is deemed a good project for my students, but it has turned out to be a great one. This project was made possible by sponsors like you.\r\nWith much gratitude.\r\n\r\nMrs. Parker Johnson","fullyFundedDate":1756507544457,"projectUrl":"project/customized-water-bottles/9644456/","projectTitle":"Customized Water Bottles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Parker Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2940464_orig.png?crop=826,826,x114,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599453564834","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2940464"},{"teacherId":811173,"projectId":9628178,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation! Desk Pets have been a huge hit in my classroom! The students are doing better with their behavior and have motivation to do more work. The pets give them time to remember to take care of something and be responsible. The laminator and the paper has helped me to laminate materials so they last longer and are more durable. The storage boxes have helped to house the pets and to house papers so that we can easily find the materials for small groups. The groove writing materials are helping the students to write more legible. Thank you for supporting my class.","fullyFundedDate":1756313719324,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-classroom-thrive/9628178/","projectTitle":"Help My Classroom Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp811173_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565316586526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/811173"},{"teacherId":811173,"projectId":9608965,"letterContent":"Thanks for your donations. The portable computer organizer has helped to create organization to the chromebooks in my classroom. The incentive toys, risers, and envelopes have helped to keep students motivated to learn and to have excellent behavior. This has also helped my start to learn to count money. Over time our needs have changed and we had to grab some kleenex and hand sanitizer to help keep germs down and students healthy. The educational apps have my students improve their reading and math skills. Thank you for your continued support of my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1756313719287,"projectUrl":"project/technology-and-incentive-essentials/9608965/","projectTitle":"Technology and Incentive Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp811173_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565316586526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/811173"},{"teacherId":7822901,"projectId":9718908,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. The technology you provided has made a significant difference in the way I support our diverse learners. It has allowed me to streamline IEP management, progress monitoring, and essential documentation, ensuring every student's needs are accurately reflected. This has been especially valuable in keeping our records organized, accessible, and up to date, which directly impacts the quality of support our students receive.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting changes has been the increase in efficiency across our special education workflow. With this new technology, I can gather data more quickly, update information in real time, and communicate smoothly with teachers and service providers. It has also helped me prepare for meetings with greater accuracy and confidence, allowing our team to make informed decisions that truly benefit our students. These improvements have created a ripple effect, strengthening \r\ncollaboration and ensuring that services are delivered in a timely, coordinated manner.\r\n\r\nYour support has had a real, positive impact on the students whose IEPs and services I help manage. By providing tools that enhance our efficiency and organization, you are helping us maintain high-quality, responsive, and student-centered systems. Thank you for investing in resources that help us better serve every learner in our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1758213553463,"projectUrl":"project/printing-possibilities-supporting-every/9718908/","projectTitle":"Printing Possibilities: Supporting Every Student’s IEP","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Candelaria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7822901_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y524&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630500775908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7822901"},{"teacherId":9865695,"projectId":9196349,"letterContent":"The printer plays an important role in supporting my students' learning. By allowing me to create clear, colorful, and visually engaging materials, the printer helps capture students' attention and increase their motivation during lessons. Many students learn better when information is presented through visuals, so having access to colored charts, graphic organizers, worksheets, and portfolio pages helps them understand concepts more easily.\r\n\r\nPrinted materials also make learning more accessible. Students can hold, highlight, annotate, and revisit printed resources at their own pace, which supports different learning styles and individual needs. For students who struggle with focus, color-coded materials can guide them step-by-step and make tasks easier to follow. In addition, having organized and printed portfolio materials helps students track their progress, build confidence, and take ownership of their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1744032817053,"projectUrl":"project/empower-students-with-a-printer-to-share/9196349/","projectTitle":"Empower Students With a Printer to Share Their Creative Work","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sabidor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9865695_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737664833264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9865695"},{"teacherId":4525316,"projectId":9455748,"letterContent":"Students spend a lot of time in classrooms. Expecting them to daily stay in the traditional classroom furniture of hard, stationary chairs and desks has long been the norm. The reality is that for decades, more ergonomic seating and desk options have been developed and marketed to the adult workplace. The evolution of classroom furniture is much slower to change and grow.\r\n\r\nMy students daily choose to sit on the floor cushions, wobble seats, low backed floor seats and sling chairs. Whether they want to work by themselves or in a group, these flexible seats are a draw. Adding in the wobble seats for desk work has greatly helped those students who like to rock or balance on 2-legs of traditional seats more safely sit in class. I worried that there wouldn't be enough spaces for all, but students are working cooperatively and balancing the use of these flexible seats eagerly.","fullyFundedDate":1754953122552,"projectUrl":"project/incorporating-comfort-seating-that-wor/9455748/","projectTitle":"Incorporating Comfort - Seating that Works","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4525316_orig.jpg?crop=1088,1088,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754605443153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-smith-math-civics-chgo"},{"teacherId":4525316,"projectId":9455678,"letterContent":"When the deliveries arrived, each package was an exciting surprise. Opening each game was a new discovery for students. An opportunity to take a break from traditional learning and explore learning through play.\r\n\r\nStudents are able to complete their normal classwork and expand their understanding of math foundations through math play. As the schedule permits, students are able to learn new games that involve logic and strategy that help build their problem solving skills. Offering students variety in their learning opportunities, will help build engagement and interest in learning.\r\n\r\nI am thrilled to be able to enhance math learning through play. This would not be possible without the generous donation that made this project a reality.","fullyFundedDate":1754953122392,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-math-play/9455678/","projectTitle":"Mindful Math Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4525316_orig.jpg?crop=1088,1088,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754605443153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-smith-math-civics-chgo"},{"teacherId":9777495,"projectId":9574889,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our first graders. The wristbands, notepads, and pencils have already made a big impact. My students were thrilled when they saw the new supplies—they immediately put on their wristbands and proudly showed them to their classmates.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the notepads during morning work and writing time, and the pencils have helped us start strong routines. These simple tools have boosted confidence, encouraged positive behavior, and created a warm, welcoming classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helped us begin the year feeling prepared and excited. We're grateful for your support and for believing in our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1760386697845,"projectUrl":"project/starting-the-year-strong-motivation-and/9574889/","projectTitle":"Starting the Year Strong: Motivation and Essentials for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Francisco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9777495_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742961681578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9777495"},{"teacherId":5602112,"projectId":9607453,"letterContent":"When my students walked into the classroom and saw the new headphones, flexible seating cushions, floor chairs, and cozy rug and lamps, their faces absolutely lit up. Several of them got so excited to see a carpet finally in the room and the other teachers in the room commented on how the lamps made a nice cozy environment. The thick rubber bands on the chairs were another huge hit, students who struggled to sit still were bouncing their feet within minutes, finally able to fidget without disrupting their learning.\r\n\r\nWe've already put these materials to great use. During our literacy rotations this week, students used the headphones for independent reading on their tablets. One of my students, who is usually distracted by noise, stayed fully engaged through an entire story because the headphones helped her tune out everything else. During independent work, students chose spots around the room, on floor cushions, in a floor chair by the lamp, or stretched out on the new rug, to work quietly. The flexible seating has given them a sense of ownership and comfort that makes such a big difference in focus and confidence.\r\n\r\nAs for what's next, we are beginning a research and writing project where students will explore a topic of their choice and create a short presentation. The new materials will support them every step of the way, headphones for research, cozy seating for drafting their ideas, and fidget bands to help them stay calm and focused while they plan and collaborate. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now feels more welcoming, more functional, and more like a place where every learner can thrive.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support. Your contribution didn't just provide supplies, it transformed our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1758805441159,"projectUrl":"project/seats-for-success-building-a-warm-wel/9607453/","projectTitle":"Seats for Success: Building a Warm & Welcoming Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5602112_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533305073745","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kyla-kelly"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5633","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":495,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":88,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"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":70.0,"schoolId":5633,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edward K. Duke Ellington Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edward K. Duke Ellington Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/duke-ellington-elementary-school/5633"}