{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"James Otis Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":42.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10040425,"projectId":9631980,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, the \"Brewing Independence at the Chill Day Cafe\" project has been a great success.. The resources you provided have given our students hands-on experience in preparing beverages, handling money, and interacting with customers. With the new cafe equipment, they are learning to manage a cafe and work together as a team, which are essential skills for independent living and career readiness.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the students helped assemble the equipment, design the cafe layout, and stock the shelves. For our next event, they will create marketing materials using accessible technology, write customer interaction scripts, and introduce new seasonal drink recipes. Your generosity has not only helped our students learn but also thrive with independence and pride. We can't thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1757694492130,"projectUrl":"project/brewing-independence-at-the-chill-day-ca/9631980/","projectTitle":"Brewing Independence at the Chill Day Cafe","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marrero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10040425_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748353348368","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10040425"},{"teacherId":1536636,"projectId":9550890,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our 4th graders were able to dive into Hatchet together, and it's been an incredible experience! This book has helped us explore important reading skills such as identifying theme, analyzing character growth, and using text evidence to support our thinking. Students have also been practicing visualization and making inferences as we discuss how Brian survives in the wilderness.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an interactive, shared adventure. We read aloud together, stop to ask questions, and make connections to our own lives. Students work in small groups to talk about key moments and use reading journals to reflect on Brian's journey.\r\n\r\nThe new books have sparked excitement for so many students—especially those who don't always think of themselves as \"readers.\" One student who usually prefers graphic novels couldn't stop sharing predictions about what Brian might do next. Another said it was the first time they felt like they were in the story. The survival theme has inspired everyone to imagine their own adventure tales, which we're now turning into our own creative writing projects.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this experience possible. Because of you, my students aren't just reading a book—they're becoming confident, thoughtful readers and writers ready to create their own stories!","fullyFundedDate":1754936670674,"projectUrl":"project/from-page-to-wilderness-a-hatchet-readi/9550890/","projectTitle":"From Page to Wilderness: A Hatchet Reading Adventure","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/otismscross"},{"teacherId":1536636,"projectId":9493327,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been completely transformed, thanks to your generosity! We've used the new materials to create a warm and exciting forest-themed classroom filled with trees, plants, and cozy learning spaces. The transformation has made our room feel alive with adventure and curiosity.\r\n\r\nWhen students first walked in, their eyes lit up with excitement. Parents, other teachers, and administrators have all commented on how inviting and creative our forest classroom feels. It truly set a positive tone for learning and community.\r\n\r\nNext, our class will be starting a new science unit on plants. Students will each plant their own herbs and use the plant stand to create a mini greenhouse in our classroom. This project will teach responsibility, observation, and care for living things—all while keeping our forest theme growing strong!","fullyFundedDate":1754589677299,"projectUrl":"project/from-familiar-to-fantastical-a-4th-grad/9493327/","projectTitle":"From Familiar to Fantastical: A 4th Grade Classroom Adventure","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/otismscross"},{"teacherId":10040425,"projectId":9381005,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, the \"Brewing Independence: A Cafe Run by Students with Visual Impairments\" project has been a great success.. The resources you provided have given our students hands-on experience in preparing beverages, handling money, and interacting with customers. With the new cafe equipment, they are learning to manage a cafe and work together as a team, which are essential skills for independent living and career readiness.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the students helped assemble the equipment, design the cafe layout, and stock the shelves. For our next event, they will create marketing materials using accessible technology, write customer interaction scripts, and introduce new seasonal drink recipes. Your generosity has not only helped our students learn but also thrive with independence and pride. We can't thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1748531587113,"projectUrl":"project/brewing-independence-a-cafe-run-by-stud/9381005/","projectTitle":"Brewing Independence: A Cafe Run By Students With Visual Impairments","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marrero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10040425_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748353348368","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10040425"},{"teacherId":6657415,"projectId":9698432,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Student Council has been able to bring school spirit to life! With the new t-shirt press, blank items, and creative materials, students are now designing and producing custom spirit wear such as t-shirts, tumblers, and drawstring backpacks. These items not only promote pride and unity across our school community, but also give our student leaders hands-on experience in design, planning, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nStudent Council members are learning valuable entrepreneurial and leadership skills everything from brainstorming to production and distribution. They're collaborating to create items that represent our school's values and identity, and seeing their designs worn by classmates will be a huge confidence boost.\r\n\r\nBeyond the excitement of making spirit wear, this project has empowered students to take ownership of school culture and spread positivity. Your donation has helped turn their creative ideas into tangible products that celebrate our community and inspire pride every day.","fullyFundedDate":1757604888114,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-action-designing-and-creating-s/9698432/","projectTitle":"STEM in Action! Designing and Creating School Spirit!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bacik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6657415_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566003545784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6657415"},{"teacherId":6657415,"projectId":9531168,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of this project, our classroom has grown stronger as a community and as a place of learning. The culturally relevant books we received have given students the chance to see themselves and others reflected in stories, helping them build empathy and a deeper love of reading. Students are excited to pick up books that feel meaningful and connected to their lives.\r\n\r\nThe printer ink has allowed us to create high-quality resources, practice materials, and visuals that support daily learning. Having these tools on hand means students have access to materials that are clear, engaging, and tailored to their needs.\r\n\r\nFinally, the incentive items have made a big difference in motivating and celebrating student effort. Small rewards have encouraged students to stay engaged, work hard, and support one another in building a positive classroom culture.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, our students feel seen, supported, and motivated to do their best. Thank you for investing in resources that help create a thriving classroom community where every child can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1755706218816,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-a-thriving-classroom-communit/9531168/","projectTitle":"Supporting a Thriving Classroom Community: Books, Supplies, and Incentives!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bacik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6657415_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566003545784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6657415"},{"teacherId":6657415,"projectId":9698044,"letterContent":"Our Student Council's first big fundraiser, Movie Night, was a huge success thanks to the support of our \"Sno Much Math\" project! With the materials we received, including a sno cone machine, snacks, and an event tent, students were able to create a fun and welcoming environment for our school community.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights was watching our students put the sno cone machine together themselves and learning how to operate it with adult supervision. They were so proud of their teamwork and responsibility in that moment! Guests at the event loved having so many snack and beverage options, especially the sno cones, which quickly became a favorite.\r\n\r\nThe tent, machine, and supplies made the setup look polished, professional, and well-prepared. These resources not only supported a successful fundraiser but also gave our students a real-world opportunity to practice leadership, organization, and customer service. Thanks to this project, our students experienced firsthand how preparation and teamwork can make an event both fun and impactful for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1757702401232,"projectUrl":"project/sno-much-math/9698044/","projectTitle":"Sno-much Math!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bacik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6657415_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566003545784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6657415"},{"teacherId":6657415,"projectId":9711926,"letterContent":"Here are two polished paragraphs describing the impact:\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our students now have access to a sublimation printer and all the supplies needed to create high-quality school swag for our community. This project has transformed our classroom into a creative studio where students design, press, and produce items like keychains, bookmarks, mugs, and spirit-wear pieces. The excitement they feel when they see their digital designs become real, tangible products is incredible. Students who rarely see themselves as \"creators\" are now building confidence, experimenting with new tools, and developing skills in design, problem-solving, and collaboration. Your support has made it possible for them to explore a hands-on, real-world creative process that sparks curiosity and joy every day.\r\n\r\nThe impact has stretched far beyond our classroom. Students have been proudly sharing their creations with peers, teachers, and staff members, helping build community spirit and a sense of belonging throughout the school. Staff and students alike light up when they receive swag made by our young designers, and this exchange has created new moments of connection and pride. Your donation has helped our students feel empowered and valued, giving them opportunities they would not have otherwise had. Thank you for bringing this project to life and helping our school community shine a little brighter.","fullyFundedDate":1758893346311,"projectUrl":"project/design-with-pride/9711926/","projectTitle":"Design with Pride!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bacik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6657415_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566003545784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6657415"},{"teacherId":8887801,"projectId":9613596,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom with Duplo Lego sets! These materials give my students a hands-on way to explore early literacy skills through play. Next week, we will begin studying fables, and students will have the chance to retell and build the stories using the Duplo sets. This helps them understand story structure, characters, and sequencing while engaging their creativity and problem-solving skills. Your support allows me to provide meaningful, interactive learning experiences that make reading and storytelling fun and memorable for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1755526844092,"projectUrl":"project/building-early-literacy-through-stories/9613596/","projectTitle":"Building Early Literacy Through Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Avila","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8887801_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1678845019361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-avila-chi"},{"teacherId":8887801,"projectId":8979549,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my middle school students with recess supplies! Your donation of Uno cards, games, chess sets, kinetic sand, and Play-Doh gives students fun, hands-on ways to connect with each other without screens. These activities encourage teamwork, communication, and creativity while giving students a chance to relax and enjoy time together. Your support helps create a positive, engaging space where students can build friendships and social skills. Because of you, recess is now an opportunity for meaningful interaction and play, not just a break from class.","fullyFundedDate":1733282813430,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-recess-supplies-for-chicago-youth/8979549/","projectTitle":"Indoor Recess Supplies for Chicago Youth!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Avila","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8887801_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1678845019361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-avila-chi"},{"teacherId":8887801,"projectId":8933631,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my middle school science classroom! Your donation of supplies helps me give my students hands-on, engaging science experiences that build strong foundational skills. With these materials, students can explore experiments, collect and analyze data, and develop critical thinking skills that prepare them for high school and beyond. Many former students have told me that the lessons and skills they gained in my class helped them succeed in their freshman science courses. Your support makes this possible and ensures my students have the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1732049250937,"projectUrl":"project/science-in-action-for-chicago-youth/8933631/","projectTitle":"Science in Action for Chicago Youth!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Avila","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8887801_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1678845019361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-avila-chi"},{"teacherId":6657415,"projectId":5700898,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"A Very Welcome Back to School!\" Your generosity helped us start the year on such a positive, joyful note. The materials and supplies you helped fund created a warm, welcoming environment that set the tone for a strong school year from day one.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom was filled with the tools we needed to build a supportive and engaging space, from basic supplies to welcoming touches that made students feel at home. These items helped ease first-day nerves, gave us a chance to connect through fun and creativity, and showed students that this is a classroom where they are valued, respected, and cared for.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate: students walked into a space that felt organized, colorful, and full of possibility. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and in the power of a strong, welcoming return to school. Your kindness will continue to inspire us all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1628461788533,"projectUrl":"project/a-very-welcome-back-to-school/5700898/","projectTitle":"A Very Welcome Back to School!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bacik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6657415_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566003545784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6657415"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5670","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":364,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":28,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":63,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.4,"schoolId":5670,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James Otis Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James Otis Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/james-otis-world-language-acad/5670"}