{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Irene Hernandez Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":42.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8914780,"projectId":9694904,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us meet our goal. We have had so many students enjoy chess and ask about using them more often. I find that they have helped students problem solve and think strategically in a way that they have not been accustomed to. It also has given them a break from screens which has also been noted with their behavior. \r\n\r\nStudents were so grateful that people care enough about their well being that they are willing to donate to them. I am also grateful for all that you do to support children in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758824673860,"projectUrl":"project/building-strategic-minds-with-chess-enri/9694904/","projectTitle":"Building Strategic Minds With Chess Enrichment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8914780_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685454756993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8914780"},{"teacherId":8859084,"projectId":10135071,"letterContent":"Just last week, during our core lesson, a student who typically struggles to stay focused was completely locked in. They were using the new materials to problem-solve, and when the solution clicked, they literally jumped out of their seat with excitement, shouting, \"I actually get it now!\" It was a beautiful reminder of how the right tools can unlock a student's confidence. When the boxes arrived and we opened them together as a class, the room was buzzing with pure excitement. Many students gasped and asked, \"Are these really for us?\" Students will be working in small collaborative groups to design and present their own final projects using materials.","fullyFundedDate":1773768995362,"projectUrl":"project/revving-up-stem-building-futures-throug/10135071/","projectTitle":"Revving Up STEM: Building Futures Through RC Engineering!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Guzman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8859084"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":10114963,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to hydroponics and fresh vegatables. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1773768995578,"projectUrl":"project/hydroponically-amazing/10114963/","projectTitle":"Hydroponically Amazing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":7510803,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to printer, specific items, math manipulatives, flexible seating and books for our reading corner. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1692808229630,"projectUrl":"project/endless-opportunities/7510803/","projectTitle":"Endless Opportunities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":6577851,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to printer, specific items, math manipulatives, flexible seating and books for our reading corner. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1666027286929,"projectUrl":"project/a-colorful-start/6577851/","projectTitle":"A colorful start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":6577631,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to printer, specific items, math manipulatives, flexible seating and books for our reading corner. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1660951453519,"projectUrl":"project/unlimited-access/6577631/","projectTitle":"Unlimited Access","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":5788995,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to printer, specific items, math manipulatives, flexible seating and books for our reading corner. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1637277719609,"projectUrl":"project/ink-to-the-rescue/5788995/","projectTitle":"Ink To the Rescue","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":8914780,"projectId":9693919,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing hygiene products and snacks for my students. Your donation has made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom. For many of my students, having access to essential hygiene products removes barriers that can interfere with their ability to focus, participate, and feel comfortable at school. Because of you, students are able to show up with confidence and dignity, without worrying about needs that should never stand in the way of learning.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have also had a powerful impact on our daily routines. Many of my students come to school hungry or without enough to sustain them throughout the day. Having snacks readily available has helped improve focus, energy, and overall engagement. I've noticed students are more attentive, more willing to participate, and better able to collaborate with their peers. Small moments—like being able to offer a quick snack or quietly provide a student with what they need—have helped create a more supportive and inclusive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nYour kindness goes far beyond the items themselves. You have shown my students that there are people who care about them, believe in them, and want them to succeed. That message is incredibly powerful. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, respected, and ready to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1764957075986,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-student-wellness-with-essenti/9693919/","projectTitle":"Supporting Student Wellness With Essential Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8914780_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685454756993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8914780"},{"teacherId":45848,"projectId":9956950,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Headphones to Enhance English Learning.\" These headphones have become a game-changer in our classroom, providing my students with a focused, immersive environment that is essential for language acquisition. By filtering out background noise, the headphones allow students to hear the subtle nuances of English pronunciation and phonics with crystal clarity.\r\n\r\nMy students are most thrilled by the sense of independence these headphones provide. They feel like they have their own personal \"language lab\" right at their desks. I've noticed a significant shift in a few of my more soft-spoken students who previously struggled with confidence. One student in particular, who used to be hesitant to participate in oral exercises, now practices their speaking fluency and is feeling empowered by the privacy and high-quality audio the headphones provide.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided us with headphones but has also sent a powerful message to my students that their education and their journey toward English proficiency are valued. Seeing them engage so deeply with their lessons is a direct result of your kindness. We are truly grateful for your investment in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1767240677931,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-to-enhance-english-learning/9956950/","projectTitle":"Headphones to Enhance English Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp45848_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533749237214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/45848"},{"teacherId":6272074,"projectId":9849762,"letterContent":"Our students are absolutely thrilled with the new headphones and computer mice your generosity provided. Many of our donors use technology every day, but may not realize how essential these tools have become in a modern classroom. The headphones—with their sleek design, comfortable fit, and built‑in microphones—have already made a noticeable difference. Students feel confident using them for speech‑to‑text assignments, reading supports, and multimedia projects. They even request these specific pairs over older models in other classrooms because the quality helps them focus and produce stronger work.\r\n\r\nThe new computer mice have been just as impactful. For many students (and teachers), navigating a Chromebook trackpad can be frustrating and slow. Having a real mouse has sped up their clicking, improved accuracy, and boosted productivity—especially during our recent net force simulation, which required dozens of quick interactions. Instead of getting stuck on the mechanics of using the device, students could stay engaged with the science.\r\n\r\nWhat has surprised me most is the pride students feel in having updated, high‑quality tech in their classroom. They immediately wanted to label the equipment with our room number to make sure nothing got lost and everything stayed together. They know these tools were given to them by people who believe in their potential, and that sense of being valued has made them even more eager to learn. Thank you for giving them not just equipment, but a boost of confidence and ownership in their education.","fullyFundedDate":1764598852083,"projectUrl":"project/click-listen-learn-tech-tools-for-stu/9849762/","projectTitle":"Click, Listen, Learn: Tech Tools for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duffin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6272074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657649842413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-duffin"},{"teacherId":10383103,"projectId":9956940,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly kind and generous donation to our classroom. Because of your support, my multilingual students now have the specific tools they need to thrive, bridging the gap between their home languages and their academic goals.\r\n\r\nIn a multilingual classroom, \"one size fits all\" simply doesn't work. Your contribution has directly empowered me as an educator to meet the diverse linguistic needs of my students by providing access to materials that honor their primary languages while building English proficiency. Your contribution has Increased Engagement: Students feel seen and supported when they have resources designed for their unique learning journeys. In addition, your generosity has been a tool for Confidence Building as they thrive to learn a second language. \r\n\r\nYour gift is more than just a donation; it is a message to my students that their voices—in every language—are valuable. By investing in their education, you are helping to build a more inclusive and connected future.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for making a tangible difference in our lives. We are so grateful for your partnership in education and your generous contribution!","fullyFundedDate":1766874036004,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-to-enhance-english-learning/9956940/","projectTitle":"Headphones to Enhance English Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sackett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10383103_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766603558958","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10383103"},{"teacherId":10276470,"projectId":9773377,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous contributions to our classroom project! When the boxes arrived filled with flexible seating, lava lamps, and mindfulness journals, the students were excited as they unboxed the new gear, adding to the space they helped create; We recently integrated the breathing exercise cards and teen coloring books into some weekly groups. \r\nMoving forward, these resources are becoming a permanent fixture for many of our students. Our next big step is a personal reflection project where students will use their new journals to track how different sensory tools—like the rhythmic glow of the lava lamps or the structured patterns in their coloring books—affect their mood and academic productivity. Thank you for helping us build a supportive, calming environment where my students can truly thrive, both academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1761156550332,"projectUrl":"project/building-calm-part-2/9773377/","projectTitle":"Building Calm- Part 2!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276470_orig.jpg?crop=977,977,x0,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758649796995","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276470"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97534","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":719,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.4,"schoolId":97534,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Irene Hernandez Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Irene Hernandez Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/irene-hernandez-middle-school/97534"}
Join the 596 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Irene Hernandez Middle School is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 719 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.4:1.
Its teachers have had 423 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 6 - 8
719 Students
50 Teachers
3510 W 55th StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Irene Hernandez Middle School
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
98%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Irene Hernandez Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jul 21, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Irene Hernandez Middle School
$158,773
raised using DonorsChoose
423
projects
funded
46
teachers
funded
596
donors
58
projects
for
basic supplies
67
projects for
technology
109
projects for
books
25
projects
for
art supplies
Irene Hernandez Middle School has received support from
342 individuals from Illinois and
254 individuals out-of-state.