{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hayt Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":193967,"projectId":10049532,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my Pre-K Art Class Because of your kindness, my students now have the tools they need to explore their creativity and develop essential skills in a whole new way.\r\n\r\nOur new project materials have been a massive hit! My students were absolutely thrilled when we opened the packages. There is something truly magical about watching a four-year-old's eyes light up when they realize they get to create their very own necklace.\r\n\r\nThe Impact of Your Gift:\r\n\r\nFine Motor Development: Stringing pony beads onto lacers is more than just a fun craft—it is a critical exercise. As my students carefully manipulate the beads, they are building the hand strength and coordination they will need for writing and other complex tasks as they grow.\r\n\r\nContained Creativity: The new trays have been a game-changer for our art time. By keeping the beads from \"escaping\" across the floor, the children can focus entirely on their work. They feel a great sense of pride in maintaining an organized workspace, and these trays are a staple in our classroom for many projects.\r\n\r\nConfidence Building: Seeing a student complete their first necklace and beam with pride is why I love teaching. Your donation provided the materials that turned a simple idea into a moment of pure accomplishment for these children.\r\n\r\nPlease know that you have made a tangible difference in our school day. You haven't just provided beads and trays; you've provided an opportunity for my little artists to practice patience, focus, and creativity.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us, thank you for believing in the potential of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1769263584479,"projectUrl":"project/beading-bonanza/10049532/","projectTitle":"Beading Bonanza!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Decker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp193967_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1542247657759","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/decker"},{"teacherId":193967,"projectId":10091005,"letterContent":"I am writing to you today with immense gratitude. Thanks to your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, Graduation Portraits, my students and I were able to secure the canvases and materials needed for our 8th grade graduation portraits.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, our classroom has been transformed. Seeing my students stand before their finished portraits was a powerful moment. Many of these eighth graders have faced significant hurdles, but this project gave them a space to celebrate their hard work, express their individuality, and prepare for their futures with a newfound sense of confidence.\r\n\r\nThe materials you funded did more than just provide supplies; they provided my students with the confidence to dream big and take pride in their artistic voice. It is truly inspiring to see how your belief in our classroom has opened doors for these young artists. This project also gives younger students an opportunity to think about creating their own portraits when they are in 8th grade. \r\n\r\nYour generosity reminds my students that there is a community of people who care about their success and value their creativity. Thank you for investing in their potential and for being a vital part of our journey.","fullyFundedDate":1772504015476,"projectUrl":"project/graduation-portraits/10091005/","projectTitle":"Graduation Portraits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Decker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp193967_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1542247657759","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/decker"},{"teacherId":4707277,"projectId":9910817,"letterContent":"The technology is helping my students learn by making STEM concepts more hands-on and interactive. Sphero bots give immediate feedback, encourages experimentation, and helps them build persistence as they test ideas, make improvements, and try again. It also supports collaboration, communication, and creativity, which are all essential skills for success in school and beyond. \r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is that the product makes learning feel real, engaging, and fun. They love being able to create, build, test, and see their ideas come to life.\r\n\r\n I have seen several students especially connect with this technology, including students who may not always shine during traditional academic tasks. Some of my quieter students have become more confident because the technology gives them a way to show their thinking through building and creating.","fullyFundedDate":1767210951584,"projectUrl":"project/from-blocks-to-bots-learn-to-code-with/9910817/","projectTitle":"From Blocks to Bots: Learn to Code with Sphero Mini","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4707277_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504290911624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ronhale"},{"teacherId":10419547,"projectId":10062697,"letterContent":"Students reacted with tremendous excitement when they were provided with high‑quality materials for this hands‑on learning project. Their enthusiasm highlighted just how meaningful these opportunities are in helping young learners engage deeply with the content and take pride in their work.\r\n\r\nEqually powerful was the joy students experienced through the act of giving. Participating in a project that allowed them to create something for others fostered a sense of generosity, empathy, and connection—important skills that extend far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for funding this invaluable lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1770392872886,"projectUrl":"project/valentines-for-veterans/10062697/","projectTitle":"Valentines for Veterans","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. E","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10419547"},{"teacherId":4707277,"projectId":9730940,"letterContent":"We're using the Simple Machines class set during our engineering design challenges so every student has hands-on materials to build, test, and improve real solutions. One of our favorite projects so far was a \"Rescue the Stuffed Animal\" challenge: students had to move a \"rescued\" item across a gap without touching the floor. Teams tested different setups using levers, pulleys, and wheel-and-axle designs, then measured how far the object traveled and how much force they needed to apply.\r\n\r\nStudents were genuinely excited. The best part was how quickly the room shifted into a maker mindset: students were careful with the materials, eager to collaborate, and motivated to test ideas.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to deepen our understanding of how simple machines show up in everyday life and to apply that learning in a bigger design challenge.","fullyFundedDate":1763620606141,"projectUrl":"project/building-understanding-with-simple-machi/9730940/","projectTitle":"Building Understanding with Simple Machines!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4707277_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504290911624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ronhale"},{"teacherId":193967,"projectId":9704750,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our project, \"Block Printing Kits for 8th Grade.\" Because of your kindness, my students have the high-quality tools and materials they need to explore the intricate and rewarding world of printmaking. Some students have even said this was their favorite project of the year!\r\n\r\nEighth grade is a pivotal year for students as they begin to develop their unique artistic voices. Block printing is a fantastic medium for this age group because it requires patience, precision, and a bit of \"happy accidents.\" Before your donation, we lacked the specialized tools—like linoleum cutters, rollers, and printing blocks—to teach this technique properly. Now, every student had the opportunity to carve their own designs and see their vision come to life in multiple prints.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technical skills, this project teaches my students about the history of art and the power of mass communication. Your contribution has provided more than just supplies; it has provided an experience that encourages my students to think critically, work with their hands, and feel the pride of creating something truly original.\r\n\r\nIt is incredibly moving to know that there are people like you who value arts education and believe in the potential of our public school students. Thank you for making our classroom a more vibrant, creative place to learn.\r\n\r\nWith sincere thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1758811130000,"projectUrl":"project/block-printing-kits-for-8th-grade/9704750/","projectTitle":"Block Printing Kits for 8th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Decker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp193967_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1542247657759","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/decker"},{"teacherId":4707277,"projectId":9712436,"letterContent":"Since receiving these new resources, my students have been using them almost every week during STEM Lab to build, test, and improve their ideas like real engineers. One moment that really captures the impact happened during a recent challenge where students had to design a solution, test it, collect data, and then redesign. Watching a group troubleshoot together—changing one small variable at a time and cheering when their design finally worked—was one of those \"this is why we do STEM\" moments. The materials didn't just make projects possible; they raised the quality of student thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nAs soon as we opened everything, kids were pointing out parts, making predictions, and already planning what they wanted to create. Even students who are usually quiet lit up—because they could see and touch the learning before we even started the lesson.\r\n\r\nNext, we're building on that excitement with a new round of challenges that push students to go deeper.","fullyFundedDate":1757944645669,"projectUrl":"project/snapping-boredom-with-cardboard/9712436/","projectTitle":"Snapping Boredom with Cardboard","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4707277_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504290911624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ronhale"},{"teacherId":9700097,"projectId":9575551,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our classroom with these new math manipulatives. When the materials first arrived, the students were incredibly excited to open the boxes and see tools like the fraction tiles and base ten magnets. We have started using them to tackle difficult concepts. For example, during our recent lesson on fractions, students used the tiles to physically compare sizes, which helped those who usually struggle with paper-and-pencil math to finally \"see\" the answers. It has made our math block much more active and engaging for everyone!\r\n\r\nThese resources allow my students to check their own work and visualize problems in a way that a textbook cannot. We are truly grateful for your support in helping us build a more hands-on learning environment where every student has the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1755727651935,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-every-math-learner-with-manip/9575551/","projectTitle":"Empowering Every Math Learner With Manipulatives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700097_orig.jpg?crop=1728,1728,x0,y299&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724362598343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700097"},{"teacherId":4707277,"projectId":9713459,"letterContent":"I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of Sphero Indi supplies. Your support plays a vital role in enriching our students' learning experience and igniting their creativity. \r\n\r\nThis donation has helped to build confidence, encourage imagination, and provide a safe space for self-expression. These creative outlets are more important than ever, your support helps us continue to nurture artists, coders, thinkers, and dreamers. This grant has encouraged students to think about technology beyond just a consumption model and centers a more creative approach to learning about tech. \r\n\r\nThere are several goals for this projects that includes getting students engaged in tech and coding while incorporating building and design principles and utilizing iterative design across all subjects.","fullyFundedDate":1758202588479,"projectUrl":"project/early-learning-coding-and-design/9713459/","projectTitle":"Early Learning Coding and Design","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4707277_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504290911624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ronhale"},{"teacherId":4707277,"projectId":9713476,"letterContent":"I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support through this STEM donor choose. Your contribution is a significant investment in the future of our students and the advancement of STEM education in our school community. \r\n\r\nPVC pipes are versatile, engaging tools that integrate creativity and critical thinking into classroom activities. The pipes have been used in a number of ways to spark student curiosity and engagement. From designing courses to imaginative structures to live in, these pipes have been an important piece inside our classroom. \r\n\r\nAs a facilitator of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) my duty is to provide a safe, fun and engaging space for my students to think, tinker and build. Doing this requires lots of time, patience and funding. Basic funding goes a long way to building an engaging and inquisitive STEM space for students. I will continue to design an engaging classroom, students are inspired by.","fullyFundedDate":1757944644967,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-design-through-pvc-pipes/9713476/","projectTitle":"Engineering Design Through PVC Pipes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4707277_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504290911624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ronhale"},{"teacherId":193967,"projectId":9353844,"letterContent":"I cannot express how amazing this activity was and the ripple effect it had in our school community! Our eighth grade students truly enjoyed designing their rocks. Many of the students choose to paint the message on their rock using their home languages. They loved arranging the rocks in the garden. I even saw older siblings showing younger siblings their rock on display. \r\n\r\nOur school security guard reported that there was a pre-kindergarden student that squealed with excitement when he saw the rocks. To date, that student has been \"rock shopping\" daily, returning one rock for another. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. I hope this project can be a yearly addition for our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1747499566544,"projectUrl":"project/spreading-kindness-one-rock-at-a-time/9353844/","projectTitle":"Spreading Kindness One Rock at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Decker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp193967_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1542247657759","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/decker"},{"teacherId":2973690,"projectId":9604707,"letterContent":"Our library has been hopping with the addition of our new books. We have voracious readers in the 7th grade! All of the novels that you helped our class receive are being checked out and utilized to their upmost. \r\nWe so appreciate your donations helping our kids increase their vocabulary, comprehension, and love for reading. Whether the students are diverse learners or general education students, the new library books are flying off the shelves. We are thankful and grateful for your donations.","fullyFundedDate":1755823098282,"projectUrl":"project/yes-you-can-read-that/9604707/","projectTitle":"Yes, You Can Read That!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sandberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2973690_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656248708104","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2973690"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5455","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":854,"numTeachers":59,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":23,"percentBlack":19,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":41,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.4,"schoolId":5455,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hayt Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hayt Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/hayt-elementary-school/5455"}