{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hearst Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8349186,"projectId":10285303,"letterContent":"The new fidgets and sensory items have already made a wonderful difference in our classroom! My students were excited to see the new materials and immediately began exploring the different options. We use them during lessons, independent work, and transitions as tools to help students regulate their bodies, manage sensory needs, and stay engaged with instruction.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments has been seeing students learn to identify which sensory tools help them feel calm and focused. Instead of becoming distracted or overwhelmed, students can use an appropriate fidget or sensory item and then return their attention to the lesson. These resources have given my students another way to communicate and manage their needs while remaining active participants in the classroom.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue incorporating these tools into our daily routines while students work toward their academic and individual goals. I am so grateful to our donors for providing resources that help create a classroom where students can feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1788966871026,"projectUrl":"project/calm-hands-ready-minds-a-sensory-kit-f/10285303/","projectTitle":"Calm Hands, Ready Minds: A Sensory Kit for Our Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Babiarz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8349186_orig.png?crop=541,541,x56,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747057649717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8349186"},{"teacherId":8349186,"projectId":10285280,"letterContent":"The new iPad has already become an exciting addition to our classroom! My students are especially excited to have a new way to practice academic skills through interactive activities, educational programs, and digital learning tools. Because I work with students who have different learning needs, the iPad allows me to provide additional practice and individualized supports while keeping students actively engaged in their learning.\r\nThe iPad has been especially helpful for students who benefit from visual, interactive, and hands-on learning experiences. Students who may become frustrated with traditional paper-and-pencil activities are often more willing to participate when they can interact with the lesson through technology. I can also use the iPad to provide accommodations, reinforce skills from small-group instruction, and give students another way to demonstrate what they know.\r\nI am so excited to continue incorporating the iPad into our daily instruction and watch my students build both their academic skills and confidence. This technology is giving my students another meaningful way to access the curriculum, practice independently, and experience success in the classroom. I am incredibly grateful to our donors for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1788971405040,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-lessons-to-life-a-classroom-ip/10285280/","projectTitle":"Bringing Lessons to Life: A Classroom iPad Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Babiarz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8349186_orig.png?crop=541,541,x56,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747057649717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8349186"},{"teacherId":9024558,"projectId":8936902,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my PreK special education students now have adaptive seating that will make a meaningful difference in how they learn, participate, and feel in our classroom every day. \r\n\r\nWith this seating, my students will be able to sit with the postural support they need to use their hands for activities, engage with peers during circle time, and participate fully in lessons.\r\n\r\nJust as importantly, adaptive seating sends a message: that my students' bodies and needs are valued, and that our classroom is built to include them.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping create a classroom where all my students can show up as their full selves, ready to learn and connect. On behalf of my students and their families, thank you for helping build a space where they truly belong.","fullyFundedDate":1738335486069,"projectUrl":"project/adaptive-seating-for-preschoolers-with-d/8936902/","projectTitle":"Adaptive Seating for Preschoolers with Disabilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emily","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9024558_orig.jpg?crop=1038,1038,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683220296526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9024558"},{"teacherId":9024558,"projectId":7907073,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my PreK special education students now have new play materials that will support their learning and growth every day. Play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn, connect, and express themselves.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, my students will have more opportunities to explore at their own pace, communicate in ways that work for them, and build relationships with their classmates. \r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping build a classroom that honors each child's unique strengths and ways of learning. On behalf of my students and their families, thank you for investing in a space where they can play, connect, and be fully themselves","fullyFundedDate":1703258926139,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-engineering-and-technology-too/7907073/","projectTitle":"Preschool Engineering And Technology Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emily","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9024558_orig.jpg?crop=1038,1038,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683220296526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9024558"},{"teacherId":9024558,"projectId":7484026,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my PreK special education students now have new play materials that will support their learning and growth every day. Play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn, connect, and express themselves.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, my students will have more opportunities to explore at their own pace, communicate in ways that work for them, and build relationships with their classmates. \r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping build a classroom that honors each child's unique strengths and ways of learning. On behalf of my students and their families, thank you for investing in a space where they can play, connect, and be fully themselves","fullyFundedDate":1694437976669,"projectUrl":"project/developmentally-appropriate-toys-for-exc/7484026/","projectTitle":"Developmentally Appropriate Toys for Exceptional Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emily","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9024558_orig.jpg?crop=1038,1038,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683220296526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9024558"},{"teacherId":9024558,"projectId":7483942,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my PreK special education students now have access to sensory play materials that make a real difference in their daily learning.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, my students are developing fine motor skills, practicing self-regulation, and exploring new textures and sensations in a safe, supportive environment. \r\n\r\nEvery scoop, squish, and pour is helping my students build confidence, strengthen focus, and connect with their peers. Your generosity has given them tools that will support their growth not just today, but throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and their families, thank you for investing in their development and believing in the power of play to change lives.","fullyFundedDate":1691070079617,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-tools-for-preschoolers-with-spec/7483942/","projectTitle":"Sensory Tools For Preschoolers with Special Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emily","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9024558_orig.jpg?crop=1038,1038,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683220296526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9024558"},{"teacherId":8349186,"projectId":10285245,"letterContent":"The snacks have already made such a positive impact in our classroom! My students were so excited when they saw the variety of snacks arrive, and they loved knowing that they would have something available when they felt hungry during the school day. We use the snacks during appropriate times throughout the day, especially when students need a quick boost of energy before continuing with lessons or small-group activities.\r\n\r\nHaving snacks available has helped create an even more supportive classroom environment. When students are hungry, it can be difficult to concentrate and fully participate in learning. Now, I can provide a snack when needed so students can refocus their energy on their work, engage in instruction, and feel cared for and supported. Seeing students settle in, enjoy a snack, and then return to their learning ready to participate has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nOur students are continuing to work hard on their academic goals and build confidence in their learning. These snacks are a small resource that makes a big difference in helping them feel ready to learn each day. I am incredibly grateful to our donors for supporting my students and helping make our classroom a place where they can feel cared for, comfortable, and ready to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1784651438835,"projectUrl":"project/fill-the-cart-feed-a-student/10285245/","projectTitle":"Fill the Cart, Feed a Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Babiarz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8349186_orig.png?crop=541,541,x56,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747057649717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8349186"},{"teacherId":8349186,"projectId":10403530,"letterContent":"Thank you! The new cleaning supplies have already become an important part of our daily classroom routines! With students participating in small-group lessons, hands-on activities, and independent work throughout the day, our classroom can get busy quickly. Having these supplies available allows us to keep our tables, learning materials, and shared spaces clean so students can return to learning in a comfortable and organized environment.\r\nMy students were excited to see the new supplies and have enjoyed taking ownership of our classroom by helping with simple clean-up routines after activities. It has been a great opportunity to reinforce responsibility and show students that taking care of our learning space is something we can do together.\r\nWith a clean and organized environment, we can continue focusing our energy on learning and reaching our academic goals. I am so grateful to our donors for helping create a classroom where my students can feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn each day!","fullyFundedDate":1788959548882,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-classroom-is-a-happy-classroom/10403530/","projectTitle":"A Clean Classroom Is a Happy Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Babiarz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8349186_orig.png?crop=541,541,x56,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747057649717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8349186"},{"teacherId":8349186,"projectId":10055721,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom headphones! The arrival of these boxes brought so much excitement to our room, and they have already made a profound difference in our daily routines.\r\nMany people use technology at home for entertainment, but in our classroom, it serves as a gateway to personalized education. With these headphones, our tablets/computers are transformed into individualized learning stations. Students use them daily to access interactive reading programs, listen to audiobooks that match their reading levels, and engage with math software that gives them immediate feedback. Because every student learns at a different pace, these headphones allow children to listen to instructions multiple times, pause a lesson to take notes, or hear the pronunciation of a tricky word.\r\nWhile this project has helped the entire class, it has been a total game-changer for a few specific groups of students. For my English Language Learners and striving readers, these headphones provide a safe, private space to practice phonics and pronunciation. They can speak into their devices and listen to read-alouds without feeling self-conscious in front of their peers. Additionally, for a few of my students who struggle with focus or have sensory sensitivities, these headphones act as a wonderful tool to block out classroom distractions, allowing them to finally feel calm and successful during independent work time.\r\nYour support has done so much more than just provide a piece of plastic and wire; you have provided focus, equity, and a deeper access to learning for all of my students. Thank you for investing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1779435655939,"projectUrl":"project/listening-tools-for-learning-success/10055721/","projectTitle":"Listening Tools for Learning Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Babiarz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8349186_orig.png?crop=541,541,x56,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747057649717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8349186"},{"teacherId":487043,"projectId":10062909,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for gifting our classroom a document camera. This technology helps my students see each step clearly as I model reading, writing, and math tasks in real time. Instead of only hearing directions, students can watch me annotate text, solve problems, complete graphic organizers, and write responses. They are also excited to place their own work under the camera and share their thinking with classmates. This has been especially helpful for students who need visual support, repeated modeling, and extra guidance. Your gift has made learning more accessible, engaging, and confidence-building for my students every day.","fullyFundedDate":1777978363313,"projectUrl":"project/document-this/10062909/","projectTitle":"Document This!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Natalie Episcopo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp487043_orig.png?crop=651,651,x650,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652718829431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/natalie"},{"teacherId":8349186,"projectId":10062700,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support. Since the snacks arrived, the energy in our classroom has shifted noticeably. We have been using these resources during our mid-morning transition a time when focus usually begins to dip. Now, instead of restless energy or complaints of being hungry, my students are able to settle in and dive back into their work. One specific moment that stood out was during a particularly challenging math block last Tuesday. A few students were visibly frustrated with a new concept, but after a quick \"brain fuel\" break, the atmosphere calmed, and they were able to tackle the problems with renewed persistence.\r\n\r\nWhen I told students that I was able to get this project funded, they were absolutely thrilled. Their eyes lit up as they had a genuine sense of being \"seen\" and cared for by people they haven't even met. One student asked, \"Someone just sent these to us because they wanted to help?\" It was a powerful lesson in community and kindness that went far beyond the nutritional value of the food itself. They feel supported, which has made our classroom feel like an even safer space to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1778514778759,"projectUrl":"project/because-hungry-students-cant-learn/10062700/","projectTitle":"Because Hungry Students Can’t Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Babiarz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8349186_orig.png?crop=541,541,x56,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747057649717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8349186"},{"teacherId":487043,"projectId":10003545,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in providing our classroom with a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card! Because of your support, I am now able to purchase highly specialized resources specifically designed for middle school students with diverse learning needs.\r\n\r\nIn a Special Education setting, a \"one size fits all\" curriculum rarely works. Your gift allows me to download adapted materials—such as visual task boxes, social stories for teenagers, and modified academic units—that meet my students exactly where they are. These resources provide the visual structure and clarity my students need to build independence and master new skills.\r\n\r\nSeeing the \"lightbulb\" moments when a student finally understands a concept because the material was presented in a way they could grasp is the greatest reward. You have provided the keys to unlock that understanding. We are so grateful for your investment in our classroom and our students' futures!","fullyFundedDate":1769177168045,"projectUrl":"project/gift-card-resources-for-middle-school/10003545/","projectTitle":"Gift Card Resources for Middle School!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Natalie Episcopo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp487043_orig.png?crop=651,651,x650,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652718829431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/natalie"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5758","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":282,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":31,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.9,"schoolId":5758,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hearst Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hearst Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/hearst-elementary-school/5758"}