{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gresham Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3141611,"projectId":9718531,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed with the addition of new headphones for students. Technology is a powerful tool in our learning environment, but it can be overwhelming or distracting without the right resources. With these headphones, students are now able to fully engage with their digital lessons, from reading activities to math practice, without the background noise of a busy classroom. This has allowed teachers to provide small-group instruction while other students remain focused on independent learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the ability to hear their programs and lessons clearly and personally. For many of them, it feels like the technology is speaking directly to them, which boosts both focus and confidence. One of my students who typically struggles with concentration during reading has especially warmed to the headphones. Now, he can listen closely to passages being read aloud and follow along at his own pace, which has already improved his comprehension.\r\n\r\nYour gift has helped create a calmer, more productive classroom where every student has the chance to learn without distractions. The headphones may seem like a small resource, but they have had a big impact on how our students use technology every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758636807919,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-tech/9718531/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Tech","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3141611_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498867440509","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3141611"},{"teacherId":3141611,"projectId":9718509,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the boxes of snacks arrive, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them asked, \"Are these really for us?\" Having these treats readily available in the classroom has quickly become a source of comfort and motivation. Students know that if they are feeling hungry or distracted, they can grab a small snack and refocus their energy on learning.\r\n\r\nOne special moment happened during a long reading block when a student who often struggles to stay engaged asked if he could have a cracker pack. After eating, he not only rejoined the group but also volunteered to read aloud—a big step for him. These snacks have become more than just food; they are a tool to help students feel cared for, valued, and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, my students will continue using these resources daily as they tackle new lessons in reading, math, and writing. With their basic needs met, they are better able to focus on their learning goals and support one another during class projects. Your generosity gave my students more than snacks—you gave them the confidence and comfort to thrive in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758202807643,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-help-us-stay-focused/9718509/","projectTitle":"Snacks Help Us Stay Focused","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3141611_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498867440509","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3141611"},{"teacherId":8260960,"projectId":9208493,"letterContent":"This is such a great opportunity my students got to experience with ending the years strong, each item came in handy. Things are not always easy or accessible with financial constraints and with your help and thoughtfulness, IT HAPPENED :) ! We are beyond honored and grateful for each item that is donated. We use it daily, whether its markers, paper towels ( we were told those aren't even funded any longer) so any donations truly make a difference in keeping the classroom, safe, clean, happy and exciting!","fullyFundedDate":1746785912463,"projectUrl":"project/help-the-students-finish-the-school-year/9208493/","projectTitle":"Help the Students Finish the School Year Strong!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Olinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8260960_orig.jpg?crop=827,827,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655432534637","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8260960"},{"teacherId":7999004,"projectId":9294101,"letterContent":"The new decorations have completely transformed our classroom environment! From our bright and cheerful \"Welcome Back\" display at the start of the year to festive touches for various holidays, the room now feels warm, inviting, and full of joy. One special moment was the first day of school—students walked in and immediately lit up with smiles by the \"Welcome Back\" sign. It helped create a positive and inclusive atmosphere from the very beginning.\r\n\r\nAs we move into the fall season, we're planning themed activities that tie into our classroom décor. For example, students will be working on a school project about their favorite holiday traditions, which will be displayed alongside the seasonal decorations. The decorations are more than just visual—they help inspire creativity, community, and celebration throughout the year!","fullyFundedDate":1754775529579,"projectUrl":"project/put-it-up-put-it-up/9294101/","projectTitle":"Put It Up! Put It Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7999004"},{"teacherId":9134153,"projectId":9125044,"letterContent":"This activity allowed diverse learners to build literacy skills while connecting to culturally relevant content. By reading about a famous Black inventor, students gain exposure to positive role models and histories that affirm diverse identities. Writing and illustrating their own short storybook gives them multiple ways to express understanding—supporting different learning styles and strengths. The project encourages creativity, critical thinking, and personal connection, helping all learners feel engaged, represented, and empowered in the learning process.","fullyFundedDate":1746785507022,"projectUrl":"project/inventors-storybook/9125044/","projectTitle":"Inventor’s Storybook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9134153_orig.jpg?crop=1244,1244,x0,y58&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725386471244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9134153"},{"teacherId":7639071,"projectId":7932514,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for being a part of this great group of people coming together to support and encourage the incredible growth taking place in my classroom. These materials being brought into our classroom are so essential in helping me try to reach all of my students. Seeing it in a different way can bring about that 'Aha!' moment. Suddenly, it all just clicks and a student finally understands what was unclear so many times before. But even more magical than that is that you are showing my students that so many people care about their education and want them to succeed and that alone makes them want to try harder and learn more. Thank you for making all of this possible!\"","fullyFundedDate":1696944450648,"projectUrl":"project/stress-relief-and-meditation-are-always/7932514/","projectTitle":"Stress Relief and Meditation Are Always Welcome","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Timothy Seals","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7639071_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1613020217900","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7639071"},{"teacherId":7639071,"projectId":7932350,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for being a part of this great group of people coming together to support and encourage the incredible growth taking place in my classroom. These materials being brought into our classroom are so essential in helping me try to reach all of my students. Seeing it in a different way can bring about that 'Aha!' moment. Suddenly, it all just clicks and a student finally understands what was unclear so many times before. But even more magical than that is that you are showing my students that so many people care about their education and want them to succeed and that alone makes them want to try harder and learn more. Thank you for making all of this possible!\"","fullyFundedDate":1696944450870,"projectUrl":"project/fall-harvest-decor/7932350/","projectTitle":"Fall Harvest Decor","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Timothy Seals","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7639071_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1613020217900","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7639071"},{"teacherId":3768836,"projectId":8944886,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift to our classroom. Your support helped us\r\ncreate a beautiful and memorable graduation celebration for our students. The decorations\r\nyou funded transformed our space into something truly special, and your contribution\r\nplayed a big part in making our students feel honored, seen, and celebrated.\r\nGraduation is such an important milestone, especially for our students who have worked\r\nhard to overcome challenges and grow throughout the year. Thanks to you, we were able\r\nto create a joyful, dignified event filled with color, excitement, and pride. The looks on\r\nour students' faces as they walked into the decorated space were priceless—pure joy and\r\na sense of accomplishment that will stay with them for years to come.\r\nYour generosity reminded us all that there are people who care deeply about education\r\nand the success of every child. On behalf of my students, their families, and our entire\r\nclassroom community, thank you for helping us mark this special moment with beauty\r\nand love. Your kindness made a lasting impression.","fullyFundedDate":1732401336796,"projectUrl":"project/straight-out-of-8th-grade-help-our-grad/8944886/","projectTitle":"Straight Out of 8th Grade! Help Our Graduation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kilgore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3768836_orig.jpg?crop=712,712,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692286460005","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-kilgore"},{"teacherId":8260960,"projectId":8666879,"letterContent":"Our new classroom setup—with its cozy rug and bright, inviting corners—has truly transformed our learning environment, and I'm excited to share how it's making a difference!\r\n\r\nA Warm Welcome to Learning:\r\nWhen the new materials arrived, the students' faces lit up immediately. They gathered around the cozy rug, exchanging smiles and excited whispers as they explored the interactive tools and fresh books. One unforgettable moment was during our storytime session: as we settled on the rug, the room filled with genuine excitement and curiosity. The materials weren't just new items—they sparked immediate conversation and a shared sense of wonder.\r\n\r\nBringing Lessons to Life:\r\nThe resources have quickly become integral to our projects. For example, during a recent creative writing and art activity, the children were inspired to create their own illustrated storybooks. They combined imaginative storytelling with drawings, discussions, and collaborative work. This project not only enhanced their writing and artistic skills but also strengthened their sense of community as they helped one another craft unique narratives.\r\n\r\nLooking Ahead:\r\nYour generous contributions have opened up new avenues for exploration. Next, we're integrating these resources into our current science unit on local ecosystems. The plan is to have students observe nature in our community, document their findings using digital tools, and then relate these observations back to the stories they read and created. This cross-curricular approach promises to enrich their understanding and ignite even more creativity.\r\n\r\nThank you for providing the tools that make our classroom a place where learning is both fun and meaningful—a space where smiles all around are as common as the cozy rug we all love. Your support continues to fuel our journey of exploration and growth every day.","fullyFundedDate":1733244434741,"projectUrl":"project/smiles-all-around-a-cozy-rug-for-our-cl/8666879/","projectTitle":"Smiles All Around: A Cozy Rug for Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Olinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8260960_orig.jpg?crop=827,827,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655432534637","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8260960"},{"teacherId":7999004,"projectId":8891220,"letterContent":"Due to your donations my students have access to essential hygiene products like feminine pads, band-aids, and deodorant which they use as needed throughout the day. My students were happy to learn they will have readily accessible hygiene products. For instance, many students appreciate the feminine pads on hand, especially doing unexpected moments which helps them stay focused on their studies without worrying about their menstrual cycle. Similarly, Band-Aids are frequently used for minor cuts and scrapes, allowing students to quickly address any small injuries and continue with their activities. Having deodorant readily accessible helps students feel more confident and comfortable, particularly doing physical activities or after gym class. This small provision can make a big difference in their daily school experiences promoting the sense of self care and respect among peers. Overall, these hygiene products play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment where students can focus on learning and growing. Thank You!!!!","fullyFundedDate":1729801068296,"projectUrl":"project/gym-assurance/8891220/","projectTitle":"Gym Assurance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7999004"},{"teacherId":3141611,"projectId":2827851,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Your contribution has made a world of difference in our classroom. As soon as the new resources arrived, my students were filled with excitement and curiosity. The look on their faces said it all—wide eyes, big smiles, and a chorus of \"Wow!\" echoing through the room.\r\nWe've already begun using the listening center during literacy rotations. Students grab their headphones, select a book, and follow along as they listen to fluent reading. It's been especially helpful for our emerging readers and English language learners, who are gaining confidence in decoding words and building comprehension. One small group recently listened to \"The Snowy Day\" and then created their own illustrations and retellings — their pride in their work was undeniable.\r\n\r\nNext up, students will use the listening center to explore books connected to our current ELA unit, identifying characters, setting, and main ideas. This listening center is not only helping build reading skills — it's helping build a love of reading.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students the gift of stories and the joy of reading. Your support truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1508434793893,"projectUrl":"project/kinder-listening-center/2827851/","projectTitle":"Kinder Listening Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3141611_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498867440509","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3141611"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5598","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":326,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.4,"schoolId":5598,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gresham Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gresham Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/gresham-elementary-school/5598"}