{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Graham Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10426523,"projectId":10162260,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping my students find a sense of home and belonging through The Distance Between Us. Because of your generosity, each student now has their own copy to read closely, annotate, and discuss with confidence. This memoir has opened powerful conversations about family, migration, resilience, and the ways our early experiences shape who we become. Students are learning to analyze narrative structure, trace themes across chapters, and reflect on how authors use personal stories to illuminate larger truths.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks like students leaning over their books, marking lines that feel familiar, and sharing connections that come from lived experience. Many of my multilingual learners have been especially engaged with this text. One student said, \"It feels like she is telling my family's story too.\" That moment of recognition and validation is exactly what your support made possible. With their own books, students can annotate freely, revisit important passages, and build the stamina and confidence needed for deeper reading.\r\n\r\nYour gift has helped students see that their stories matter and that literature can be a mirror that reflects their strength. Thank you for believing in them and for helping us create a classroom where every student feels seen and valued.","fullyFundedDate":1774541694186,"projectUrl":"project/finding-home-through-reading-distance-b/10162260/","projectTitle":"Finding Home Through Reading: Distance Between Us","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanghera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10426523_orig.png?crop=580,580,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770039701491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/simransanghera"},{"teacherId":10426523,"projectId":10162249,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping my students learn about justice, one page at a time, through Just Mercy. Because of your generosity, each student now has their own copy to read, annotate, and discuss. This book has opened powerful conversations about fairness, empathy, and the importance of understanding the justice system. Students are learning to analyze nonfiction text structure, evaluate evidence, and connect Bryan Stevenson's message to their own sense of right and wrong.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks like students leaning over their books, highlighting passages that challenge their thinking, and sharing reflections in small groups. They ask questions about accountability and compassion, and they write responses that show how deeply they are engaging with the text. One student said, \"I didn't know stories like this were real. It makes me want to do something.\" That spark of awareness and action is exactly what your support made possible.\r\n\r\nYour gift has helped students see that reading can be a way to understand the world and imagine how to make it better. Thank you for believing in their potential and for helping us build a classroom where justice and empathy are part of every lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1773948978863,"projectUrl":"project/learning-about-justice-one-page-at-a-ti/10162249/","projectTitle":"Learning About Justice, One Page at a Time: Just Mercy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanghera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10426523_orig.png?crop=580,580,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770039701491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/simransanghera"},{"teacherId":10426523,"projectId":10161334,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping my students open doors through verse novels with Long Way Down. Because of your generosity, each student now has their own copy to read, annotate, and discuss. This book has become a powerful tool for exploring choices, grief, and community. Students are learning to analyze structure, tone, and figurative language while connecting those elements to real‑world experiences. Verse novels like this one help readers build fluency and confidence, especially for multilingual learners who find rhythm and white space inviting rather than intimidating.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks like students leaning over their books, marking lines that hit hard, and sharing their thoughts aloud. They pause to ask questions about justice and empathy, and they write poems in response to Jason Reynolds' craft. One student said, \"It feels like he's talking to us, not at us.\" That sense of connection and ownership is exactly what your support made possible.\r\n\r\nYour gift has helped students see that literature can be both personal and transformative. Thank you for believing in their voices and for helping us build a classroom where every reader feels seen.","fullyFundedDate":1773881827103,"projectUrl":"project/opening-doors-through-verse-novels-long/10161334/","projectTitle":"Opening Doors Through Verse Novels: Long Way Down","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanghera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10426523_orig.png?crop=580,580,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770039701491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/simransanghera"},{"teacherId":10426523,"projectId":10163871,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping my students find power in their stories through Brown Girl Dreaming. Because of your generosity, each student now has their own copy to annotate, reflect on, and connect with deeply. This text has opened space for conversations about identity, family, and the ways our voices shape the world. Students are learning to analyze figurative language, explore author's purpose, and write their own poems inspired by Jacqueline Woodson's craft.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks like students leaning over their books, marking lines that speak to them, and sharing those moments aloud. They practice close reading, compare experiences, and build confidence in expressing their truths. One student said, \"Her story feels like mine, but she says it in a way that makes me proud.\" That sense of pride and belonging is exactly what your support made possible.\r\n\r\nYour gift has helped students see that their words matter. Thank you for believing in their stories and for helping us build a classroom where every voice is valued.","fullyFundedDate":1774899993350,"projectUrl":"project/finding-power-in-our-stories-brown-girl/10163871/","projectTitle":"Finding Power in Our Stories: Brown Girl Dreaming","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanghera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10426523_orig.png?crop=580,580,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770039701491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/simransanghera"},{"teacherId":10426523,"projectId":10161310,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring The Outsiders into our classroom. Your support allowed every student to hold their own copy, which completely changed the way we read and learn together. With books in hand, students can annotate, track character growth, and practice skills such as analyzing theme, identifying author craft moves, and understanding point of view. These materials help us build lessons that encourage students to think deeply about belonging, identity, and the choices young people face.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and collaborative. Students move between independent annotation, small group conversations, and whole class discussions where they practice citing evidence and responding to one another with care and curiosity. Many of my hesitant readers have been especially engaged with this novel. One student who rarely speaks in class told me, \"I actually want to keep reading this one. It feels real.\" Having their own books gives students confidence and a sense of ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity created a shared reading experience that strengthens community and helps students see themselves as capable readers and thinkers. Thank you for believing in them and supporting their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1773887568185,"projectUrl":"project/finding-our-place-bringing-the-outsider/10161310/","projectTitle":"Finding Our Place: Bringing the Outsiders to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanghera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10426523_orig.png?crop=580,580,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770039701491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/simransanghera"},{"teacherId":10426523,"projectId":10092133,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing The Hate U Give into our classroom. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to a text that invites them to think deeply about identity, justice, and the power of voice. With a full class set, students are able to annotate, discuss, and revisit key moments together — building the kind of shared reading experience that strengthens comprehension, empathy, and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is active and collaborative. Students annotate for craft moves, track character development, and engage in structured discussions where they practice citing evidence, listening to one another, and making connections to their own lives. These books have helped us introduce essential skills: analyzing author's purpose, understanding point of view, exploring symbolism, and writing about themes that matter to them. Many students who are typically hesitant readers have been fully engaged — especially those who see their own communities, questions, and experiences reflected in Starr's story. One student told me, \"This book feels real. It makes me want to keep reading because it feels like someone finally gets us.\"\r\n\r\nYour support has created a space where students feel seen and empowered. Thank you for believing that their voices deserve to be nurtured through meaningful, relevant literature.","fullyFundedDate":1773855556723,"projectUrl":"project/the-hate-u-give-reading-for-representat/10092133/","projectTitle":"The Hate U Give: Reading for Representation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanghera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10426523_orig.png?crop=580,580,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770039701491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/simransanghera"},{"teacherId":10426523,"projectId":10077625,"letterContent":"Bringing Persepolis into our classroom has opened up an entirely new way for my 8th graders to think about identity, voice, and the world around them. Many of my students had never read a graphic memoir before, and it has been powerful to watch them analyze both the visuals and the text to understand Marjane's experiences. We've used the book to build skills in close reading, inference, and perspective‑taking, and students are learning how authors use personal stories to explore larger themes like resistance, justice, and belonging.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and collaborative. Students annotate, discuss in small groups, and make connections between Marjane's story and their own lives, cultures, and communities. Some of my multilingual learners, who often feel intimidated by long novels, have been especially engaged. The visual format gives them an entry point that builds confidence and encourages deeper conversation. One student told me, \"I finally feel like I can keep up with everyone,\" and moments like that remind me why access to the right texts matters so much.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students a book that challenges them, validates their experiences, and helps them see themselves as part of a global community. Thank you for believing in their potential and for investing in a classroom where every student deserves to feel seen, capable, and inspired.","fullyFundedDate":1770647671923,"projectUrl":"project/persepolis-voices-of-identity-and-resis/10077625/","projectTitle":"Persepolis: Voices of Identity and Resistance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanghera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10426523_orig.png?crop=580,580,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770039701491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/simransanghera"},{"teacherId":2010739,"projectId":9655800,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of printer ink to our classroom. In a special education environment, our printer is one of our most vital tools.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we can now print the visual schedules, communication boards, and adapted learning materials that my students rely on every single day. These resources help provide the structure and consistency they need to thrive and find their voices.\r\n\r\nOur students have also been able to make amazing art projects, bring school projects to life, and experiment with different paper crafts thanks to our printer. \r\n\r\nYour kindness truly makes a difference in our daily learning. Thank you for investing in my students' success!","fullyFundedDate":1757553266650,"projectUrl":"project/ink-it-to-think-it/9655800/","projectTitle":"Ink It to Think It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2010739"},{"teacherId":10040127,"projectId":9717052,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for you generosity. My students have been really enjoying the electrical engineering equipment!!\r\n\r\nI've shown the pieces to the students and have done one introduction lesson using them. I am planning a full unit that will incorporate them, based upon students reaction to the initial lesson I think they will love it.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are fascinated with programming and computers, so this is a great opportunity for them. Many of these children will get an early opportunity to practice programming thanks to you!!","fullyFundedDate":1758579157770,"projectUrl":"project/intro-into-electrical-engineering/9717052/","projectTitle":"Intro into Electrical Engineering","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chamblee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10040127_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758894497911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10040127"},{"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"}],"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":62.0,"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"}