{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Graham Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10274516,"projectId":9747472,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are now able to fully engage in their learning using our new classroom headphones! These headphones have made such a difference in helping my students focus, participate, and learn in a more personalized way. Before, background noise made it hard for many students to hear their lessons clearly, but now they can stay on task and confidently complete activities that build their reading, listening, and technology skills.\r\n\r\nThe headphones are especially helpful during our literacy and math centers, where students work on online programs that adjust to their individual learning levels. They love being able to hear every story, video, and direction clearly—it makes them feel more independent and successful. The excitement on their faces when they put on their new headphones for the first time said it all!\r\n\r\nSome of my students who normally struggle to focus or get distracted have really thrived since we began using them. They feel proud to have their own pair and can now concentrate without interruptions. This project has created a calmer, more productive learning environment and has truly empowered my students to take charge of their learning. Thank you for giving them the tools they need to succeed each and every day!","fullyFundedDate":1760644279864,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-to-help-every-student-succeed/9747472/","projectTitle":"Headphones to Help Every Student Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kiszczak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10274516_orig.jpg?crop=947,947,x282,y1653&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758559107795","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10274516"},{"teacherId":9883152,"projectId":9019322,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation that provided cubbies for our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our daily routines and learning environment.\r\nThanks to you, each student now has a personal space to store their belongings, which helps promote responsibility, organization, and a sense of ownership in our classroom. It may seem like a small addition, but to us, it's a big deal — and it's made our room feel more like a home.\r\nYour kindness and willingness to invest in our students means the world to us. We are truly grateful for your support and belief in the power of education.","fullyFundedDate":1742233081909,"projectUrl":"project/cubbies-for-our-classroom/9019322/","projectTitle":"Cubbies for our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9883152_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735241092505","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9883152"},{"teacherId":8598390,"projectId":8353211,"letterContent":"I want to send a heartfelt thank you for supporting my DonorsChoose project! I'm so sorry this note is coming a bit late, but your generosity truly means the world to me and every one of my students. Because of your support, my students now have access to incredible new materials like neon paints, paint markers, and drawing tools that inspire their creativity every day. The art room is a special place where students from Pre-K through 8th grade can explore, play, make mistakes, and grow as artists — and your gift has made that space even more vibrant and empowering.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we're able to bring fresh ideas and new techniques into our lessons, sparking excitement and engagement across all ages. The neon paints helped us prepare for a bright and exciting art show that celebrated our students' creativity and brought the community together. And with the professional-grade supplies for our middle schoolers, they can see the value in their hard work and artistic growth. Everyone is OBSESSED with paint markers! Every single one of our students feels seen and celebrated because of your kindness, and your support truly helps make the art program at Graham a place where creativity thrives. These materials have invigorated and excited so many of our artists. Thank you so much for investing in our artists and their journeys!","fullyFundedDate":1717782981775,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-classroom-with-creativity-and/8353211/","projectTitle":"Color Our Classroom with Creativity and Community!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stonehill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8598390_orig.png?crop=990,990,x0,y69&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700940517242","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8598390"},{"teacherId":9874313,"projectId":9155443,"letterContent":"The art supplies have made our \"STEMful Fun Fridays\" something my students look forward to all week. These special days give them the chance to explore their creativity, work together, and celebrate their good behavior and strong academic effort. Students know that staying on task and keeping their grades up means they get to participate, which has been a wonderful motivator. A favorite project so far was designing and decorating model bridges, where students had the freedom to use the new supplies to bring their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were so excited and couldn't wait to start creating. Their enthusiasm showed in the way they carefully used the supplies and proudly shared their finished projects with classmates. These moments have helped build a positive classroom culture where effort and good choices are celebrated.\r\n\r\nThe remainder of the supplies will continue to be used throughout this academic year 2025-2026 to support our Fun Friday incentive program. Each week, students will have new opportunities to explore art-based activities as a reward for their hard work and positive behavior. Thanks to your generosity, we can keep this tradition going all year, giving students a creative outlet that also motivates them to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1746785387925,"projectUrl":"project/weekly-art-triumphs-celebrating-effort/9155443/","projectTitle":"Weekly Art Triumphs: Celebrating Effort and Expression","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ochoa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9874313_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763539041393","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ochoamendoza"},{"teacherId":9874313,"projectId":9159514,"letterContent":"The snacks have made such a meaningful impact on my students at both schools. Last school year, they provided a much-needed boost during lessons and testing periods, helping students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. This school year, the snacks continue to play an important role by supporting students throughout the day, allowing them to give their best effort in every subject. Having this resource at two different schools means more learners are able to fully engage in class without the distraction of hunger.\r\n\r\nMy students and I are using the resources in ways that directly enhance their learning. During a recent group project, where students worked together to create presentations on science topics, the snacks gave them the energy to stay engaged and collaborate for longer periods. When students first saw the selection of snacks, they were thrilled and immediately connected the idea that this support was there to help them succeed. Their excitement and gratitude showed in how eagerly they participated in the project.\r\n\r\nOur next step is preparing students to share their projects with their peers, and the continued support from these resources is helping them stay motivated and confident. Your generosity has given my students not just food, but the fuel to think more clearly, collaborate with excitement, and push themselves academically.","fullyFundedDate":1743637576920,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-student-success/9159514/","projectTitle":"Fueling Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ochoa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9874313_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763539041393","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ochoamendoza"},{"teacherId":8598390,"projectId":8327890,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of your generosity and support- and especially for funding my project to get display boards, clips, and supplies for our art shows! I'm sorry this thank you is way overdue, but I want you to know how much your support means. Since the project was funded, we've already held our second all-school art show, and it went even better than the first! The materials really helped us show off the students' amazing work in a way that made them and their families proud.\r\n\r\nThese supplies will keep getting used for years to come, helping more students share their creativity and grow as artists. Your generosity has made a big difference, and I'm so grateful for your support of our art community.\r\n\r\nYour continued support of Graham's art program is what helps keep art education here rigorous, inspiring, and exciting for all our students. It's because of donors like you that we can provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore their creativity and build confidence through art. Thank you again for being such an important part of our program!","fullyFundedDate":1714446461427,"projectUrl":"project/grahams-first-art-show/8327890/","projectTitle":"Graham’s First Art Show!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stonehill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8598390_orig.png?crop=990,990,x0,y69&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700940517242","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8598390"},{"teacherId":4591970,"projectId":9096061,"letterContent":"On behalf of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students at Graham School in Canaryville, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of 17 dodgeballs through DonorsChoose.\r\n\r\nYour support has brought so much joy and excitement to our school community. These dodgeballs are more than just equipment. They are tools for play, teamwork, exercise, and friendship. Our students now have more opportunities to stay active, build positive relationships, and enjoy their time at school.\r\n\r\nIt's amazing to see their faces light up during recess and gym class. Your kindness has truly made a difference in their daily experience and helped us promote a healthy, fun environment for learning and growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for believing in the power of play. Your generosity will have a lasting impact here at Graham School.\r\n\r\n\r\nGraham School – Canaryville","fullyFundedDate":1740693681438,"projectUrl":"project/fantastic-fitness-friday-dodgeball-fun/9096061/","projectTitle":"Fantastic Fitness Friday: Dodgeball Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gagen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4591970_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501437971504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4591970"},{"teacherId":9874313,"projectId":9007102,"letterContent":"I introduced a daily voucher system to provide snacks for my students. Each week, they receive a punch card with five slots—one for each day. At any time during the school day, they can exchange one punch for a snack of their choice. Although I use the snacks to encourage focus and participation, I never withhold them as a punishment. Instead, if students have a challenging day, they answer a few reflection questions before receiving their snack—helping them understand that actions have consequences.\r\nA particularly impactful example involves a student who often missed breakfast, became stressed, and acted out verbally. By allowing him to request a snack whenever he feels hungry—and asking him to reflect on his behavior before receiving it—he has become more positive, cooperative, and productive in class. On exceptionally good days, I sometimes allow him a second snack as a reward. This practice helps him stay motivated and reminds him that someone cares about his well-being.\r\nThe students were thrilled from the very beginning—like children opening gifts on Christmas morning. They were amazed at the variety of snacks available and enjoyed helping organize them into containers. Their excitement quickly spread beyond my class, too: students from other classes began visiting, commenting on how beneficial it was to have a snack before lunch. These visits fostered a shared environment of positivity and focus, as students recognized that good behavior and teacher approval granted them access to snacks. I also hand out stickers each day, which adds an extra layer of fun and encouragement.\r\nNow that students have become familiar with the snack system, I'm guiding them to reflect on the deeper lessons behind it. I want them to understand that the purpose goes beyond simply satisfying hunger; it's also about showing care, building trust, and recognizing their ability to manage emotions and behaviors. Many of my students come from low-income or dysfunctional families, and they've shared that they often feel overlooked. Through this project, I hope they see firsthand that their well-being matters—both academically and personally.\r\nAs we move forward, I plan to:\r\nEncourage Emotional Growth: Have ongoing conversations where students evaluate how they handle stress and communicate emotions.\r\nPromote Responsibility and Empathy: Continue using reflection questions and group discussions, so students learn to validate each other's experiences and feelings.\r\nSustain the Snack Program: While the donated snacks last, I'll do my best to maintain the system. Even when we run out, I'll strive to find ways to keep providing some form of daily snack or motivational treat for as long as possible.\r\nBy the end of the school year, I want my students to look back and feel proud of their progress—academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. I hope they remember that I care about them and will continue to cheer them on, even when they're no longer in my class.","fullyFundedDate":1735237293331,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-success-snacks-for-hungry-mind/9007102/","projectTitle":"\"Fueling Success: Snacks for Hungry Minds and Bright Futures\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ochoa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9874313_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763539041393","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ochoamendoza"},{"teacherId":9785797,"projectId":8844574,"letterContent":"My school is not only in an impoverished South Side neighborhood, but also has welcomed nearly 100 refugee students. We have many students who are unhoused or in tenuous living situations. When they are infested with lice, it can take months to fully exterminate them as they can't afford the shampoo and laundry necessary to eliminate the lice.\r\n\r\nWith your help, I've been able to send home shampoo with every child I identify with lice who has a need. We have not had a single repeat case this year. Thank you so much for your incredible kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1727892889974,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-school-become-lice-free/8844574/","projectTitle":"Help Our School Become Lice Free!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9785797"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5469","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":299,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.6,"schoolId":5469,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Graham Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Graham Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/graham-elementary-school/5469"}