{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gallistel Language Academy","outOfStateSupporters":44.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7957033,"projectId":9102217,"letterContent":"The new alternate lighting—soft desk lamps, warm string lights, and light covers—has completely transformed the sensory landscape of our classroom. Fluorescent overhead lights can be harsh, buzzing, and overstimulating, but this new setup creates a calm, focused, and welcoming environment.\r\n\r\nDuring our independent reading and writing workshops, we now dim the main lights and rely on our new ambient lighting. A specific moment that stands out was during a recent creative writing lesson: instead of the usual restlessness that comes mid-afternoon, the room was remarkably peaceful. Students immediately settled into their spots, cozy with their notebooks, fully immersed in their work. The softer lighting signals to their brains that our classroom is a safe, comfortable space where they can focus without sensory overload.\r\n\r\nTheir reaction was pure joy and immediate relief! When the package arrived and we turned the alternate lighting on for the first time, there was an audible \"Whoa!\" across the room. One student raised their hands and said, \"It feels like a cozy coffee shop in here now!\" Another student with visual sensitivities mentioned how much better their eyes felt without the harsh overhead glare. They immediately began treating our classroom like a special sanctuary, taking extra pride in keeping our newly lit reading and work spaces tidy.\r\n\r\nWith their focus and comfort noticeably improved, they are working in small groups using the designated \"lamp-lit\" collaboration zones to research, draft, and peer-edit their work. Moving forward, we will be using this serene space to hold student-led presentations and reading showcases, where students can share their finished projects in a comfortable, supportive setting that feels like a real-world creative studio.","fullyFundedDate":1739542838188,"projectUrl":"project/light-up-our-room/9102217/","projectTitle":"Light up our Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7957033_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720051204228","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7957033"},{"teacherId":7957033,"projectId":9306501,"letterContent":"These dry erase boards have completely transformed our daily math and literacy guided practice. Instead of waiting for me to grade paper worksheets, students now hold up their boards during quick-check assessments, giving me instant visual feedback on who has mastered a concept and who needs a extra support. During a recent small-group reading lesson, my students used their boards to visually break down complex multi-syllable words and map out story elements. Being able to quickly erase and correct a mistake on the spot has drastically reduced their fear of getting an answer wrong.\r\n\r\nWhen the package arrived, the energy in the room was pure magic! Unboxing the fresh, smooth boards, vibrant markers, and erasers felt like Christmas morning to them. One student eagerly exclaimed, \"We get to keep these on our desks every day?!\" They immediately wanted to test them out, turning our very first lesson with the new boards into an enthusiastic, high-engagement review session where every single hand—and board—was raised high in the air.\r\n\r\nNow that my students are fully comfortable using their dry erase boards for quick checks, our next step is integrating them into peer-to-peer collaborative projects. We are launching a STEM problem-solving unit where students will work in pairs to sketch out initial design blueprints, calculate measurements, and brainstorm solutions on their boards before building physical models. Your support has given them a flexible, judgment-free space to think, create, and learn every day!","fullyFundedDate":1746718545667,"projectUrl":"project/dry-erase-board/9306501/","projectTitle":"Dry Erase Board","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7957033_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720051204228","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7957033"},{"teacherId":4924663,"projectId":9053868,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom with art supplies and cleaning essentials. Your generous donation of cardstock, paint sticks, wipes, and other creative materials gives my students the opportunity to explore their imagination, express themselves, and proudly share their ideas through art.\r\n\r\nArt can be messy so the wipes make a big difference too! My students to freely explore paint and other messy materials while learning that creativity doesn't have to stop because of a little mess. We can keep our hands, desks, and classroom clean while continuing to create, experiment, and learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students the supplies they need to express themselves, discover their creativity, and learn through art. Your generosity is helping us create a classroom where imagination is encouraged and every student has a chance to shine!","fullyFundedDate":1739085167389,"projectUrl":"project/make-a-mess-and-clean-it-up/9053868/","projectTitle":"Make a Mess and Clean It Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schifferl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gayle-schifferl"},{"teacherId":4924663,"projectId":9023022,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous support of my students. Your donation of shampoo, toothpaste, shower gel, body spray, and other personal hygiene items gives my students comfort, dignity, confidence, and peace of mind.\r\n\r\nFor students who may not always have access to these essentials at home, having hygiene items available at school can make such a difference. It helps them feel fresh, comfortable, and ready to participate in their day without worrying about how they look, smell, or whether they have the supplies they need. When students feel confident and secure, they are better able to focus on learning, building friendships, and reaching their potential.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me create a classroom where every student can feel cared for, confident, and ready to learn. Your generosity is making a difference in ways that go far beyond the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1736286356258,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-start-for-the-new-year/9023022/","projectTitle":"Fresh Start for the New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schifferl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gayle-schifferl"},{"teacherId":4924663,"projectId":8986873,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your donation of pencils, glue, copy paper, and other basic supplies may seem simple, but these everyday essentials make a great difference for my students\r\n\r\nHaving the supplies we need from the very beginning of the school year allows my students to jump into learning with confidence and excitement. No student should have to worry about having a pencil, the materials needed to complete an activity, or the paper needed to share their ideas. Your generosity helps ensure that our classroom is prepared, welcoming, and ready for every learning opportunity.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your kindness shows our students that their education matters and that people believe in their success. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for helping us begin the new year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Thank you for investing in our students and helping us start the year strong!","fullyFundedDate":1733632798947,"projectUrl":"project/just-the-basics-please/8986873/","projectTitle":"Just the Basics, Please.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schifferl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gayle-schifferl"},{"teacherId":4924663,"projectId":8507375,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping provide snacks and juice for our students! Your generosity means so much to our classroom. With juice boxes, fruit snacks, Goldfish, Pop-Tarts, and Cheez-Its, our students will have quick, comforting snacks to help keep them energized, focused, and ready to learn throughout the day.\r\n\r\nFor some students, a small snack can make a big difference. It can provide the extra boost they need to refocus, participate, and make the most of their learning opportunities. Knowing that they have something available when they are hungry also helps create a classroom environment where students feel cared for and supported.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our students. Thank you for helping us stay energized and focused!","fullyFundedDate":1723645625989,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time/8507375/","projectTitle":"Snack Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schifferl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gayle-schifferl"},{"teacherId":4924663,"projectId":8408866,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom and helping us create a clean, safe, and welcoming space for every student. Your generous donation of tissues, paper towels, disinfectant spray, cleaner, and hand sanitizer may seem like simple supplies, but they make a meaningful difference in my students' everyday learning.\r\n\r\nHaving these essentials readily available allows us to keep our classroom clean and healthy while helping students feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn. Your kindness helps us focus on creating a positive learning environment where every student can learn, grow, and feel supported.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity and for investing in our students. Thank you for helping make our classroom a healthier, happier place to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1724301603384,"projectUrl":"project/starting-the-new-year-with-a-clean-slate/8408866/","projectTitle":"Starting the New Year with a Clean Slate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schifferl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gayle-schifferl"},{"teacherId":4924663,"projectId":9128800,"letterContent":"I am sending my heartfelt gratitude for this iPad for my medically fragile student. After making some adaptations and downloading her favorite songs and books read aloud, we have been able to incorporate this technology into her everyday routines.\r\nI am able to send materials and links directly to the student through her iPad, which has improved the delivery of our lessons. The iPad can also be positioned close to my student to accommodate for her vision impairment and to ensure she is able to hear her music, which keeps her motivated and engaged.\r\nThe case ensures that the iPad is protected should it fall when she is being transferred or repositioned throughout the day. This iPad has also been a game changer when my student goes to therapies or doctor's appointments.\r\nWitnessing the happiness this iPad has brought to my student is the reason why I take the time to create DonorsChoose projects for my students and things like this iPad would not be possible if not for the generosity of people like you. I truly appreciate you making this possible for her and her smiles and giggles tell me she is appreciative as well. Thank you for supporting my students!","fullyFundedDate":1746450950133,"projectUrl":"project/ipad-for-the-medically-fragile-is-music/9128800/","projectTitle":"Ipad for the Medically Fragile is Music to Her Ears!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schifferl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gayle-schifferl"},{"teacherId":53204,"projectId":10262135,"letterContent":"At the beginning of the school year, I read \"Una carta de tu maestra en el primer día de escuela\" to my students. It was to welcome them and let them know that I, their teacher, would be there to help them grow academically, and also provide a caring, nurturing and safe environment for learning.\r\n\r\nOn the last day, I read \"Una carta de tu maestra en el utimo día de clases,\" which talks about what the students did together during the school year, which my students and I also did. At the end of the book, it allowed me to personalize each book, by writing my name at the end of the \"letter.\" \r\n\r\nThe book was part of their end-of-the-year gift which I hope they enjoy reading for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1778070676705,"projectUrl":"project/thats-a-wrap-kindergarteners/10262135/","projectTitle":"That's a Wrap, Kindergarteners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp53204_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784666564855","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/martinez106"},{"teacherId":53204,"projectId":10266818,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when we received the live caterpillars. They were very curious and wanted to know where they came from and why they were so little. \r\n\r\nMy students were able to see the butterfly life cycle in evolve before their own eyes. It was great to see their little faces light up with awe as they observed how much the caterpillars grew each day. They counted the days it took the caterpillars turn into chrysalis and then into butterflies.\r\n\r\nThe students participated in a ceremony before letting the butterflies free.","fullyFundedDate":1778070135368,"projectUrl":"project/science-comes-to-life/10266818/","projectTitle":"Science Comes to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp53204_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784666564855","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/martinez106"},{"teacherId":53204,"projectId":10156366,"letterContent":"My students were very excited when they saw the packages of Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Animal Crackers, and variety of Chex Mix snacks. They jumped up and down and yelled out the names of their favorite ones. \r\n\r\nBecause of your kind generosity, I am now able to provide my students with a choice of snacks every afternoon, which they look forward to every day. It is a comforting feeling to know that my students do not have to worry about being hungry and keep their minds on learning until the end of the day.","fullyFundedDate":1778070135688,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-please/10156366/","projectTitle":"Snacks Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp53204_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784666564855","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/martinez106"},{"teacherId":53204,"projectId":10274211,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to receive their own copy of \"La oruga muy impaciente.\" They all kept their book at school, in their seat pockets, and read it over and over again. \r\n\r\nMost of my students were able to read much of the text on their own. In addition to reading the book to themselves, they took turns reading it to each other, and acting out the story. It was great to see their enthusiasm in reading. \r\n\r\nAlso, this book helped all my students to learn about the life cycle of the butterfly.","fullyFundedDate":1778278828153,"projectUrl":"project/patience-please-learning-about-metamor/10274211/","projectTitle":"Patience, Please! Learning About Metamorphosis","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp53204_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784666564855","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/martinez106"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5632","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":597,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":94,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.8,"schoolId":5632,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gallistel Language Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gallistel Language Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/gallistel-language-academy/5632"}