{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Fiske Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8020484,"projectId":9135588,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom rug has completely transformed the way we learn, connect, and grow together! The moment our new rug arrived, my students' faces lit up with pure joy. One student exclaimed, \"It's so cozy—we can all fit together like a big team!\" That sense of belonging is exactly what this project has given us.\r\n\r\nWe now start each morning gathered on the rug for our morning meeting, where students share their thoughts, set daily goals, and participate in SEL activities that build empathy and connection. During read-alouds, students settle in with excitement, eager to listen, discuss, and imagine together. The rug has become our classroom's heart—a place where voices are heard and learning feels safe and shared.\r\n\r\nRecently, during our \"Author Study\" project, students used the rug space to collaborate in small groups as they created posters and presentations about their favorite authors. The space allowed for rich discussions and teamwork that wouldn't have been possible in desk rows. They even created their own \"rug rules\" for respecting the space and each other, showing how deeply they value this addition.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, the rug will continue to anchor lessons in literacy, math games, and science explorations. It's more than just a classroom item—it's a tool that nurtures engagement, fosters community, and supports every child's learning journey.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this possible. Your kindness has made a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1746762587571,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cozy-with-a-classroom-rug/9135588/","projectTitle":"Creating a Cozy with a Classroom Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kinsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8020484_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656523996878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8020484"},{"teacherId":8020484,"projectId":6860484,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has truly transformed. The new hands-on and visual materials have brought a new level of excitement and engagement to our learning environment—especially during phonics and math workshop time. Students now have access to vibrant, tactile tools that not only help reinforce key concepts but also allow them to express their thinking in creative and concrete ways.\r\n\r\nOne powerful moment was during a recent phonics station, where students used letter tiles and magnetic boards to build CVC words. One of my students, who typically struggles to stay focused, proudly spelled out words and eagerly explained them to a partner—something they had never done before. Their confidence soared, and it was all because they could physically interact with the learning materials in a way that made sense for them.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were wide-eyed and curious—excitedly asking, \"Can we use these today?\" They were thrilled to explore the new tools, and that enthusiasm hasn't worn off.\r\n\r\nWe're now working on a number sense project where students are building and comparing numbers using place value blocks and ten frames. The materials have made it easier for visual learners to grasp abstract concepts, and for kinesthetic learners to stay engaged. Our next steps include using these tools for more advanced math tasks, like solving story problems and explaining their reasoning in small group presentations.\r\n\r\nYour donation hasn't just supplied resources—it has inspired joy, curiosity, and growth in every learner. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1669781699257,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-fun/6860484/","projectTitle":"Learning Is Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kinsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8020484_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656523996878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8020484"},{"teacherId":8020484,"projectId":6858072,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a more inviting, student-centered space where children feel empowered and excited to learn. The addition of flexible seating—especially the new stools—has truly changed the way my kindergarteners approach their day.\r\n\r\nThe moment the stools arrived, there was a buzz of excitement. Students couldn't wait to try them out! One student hugged a stool and said, \"This is my favorite spot now!\" The ability to choose where they sit has made them feel more in control of their learning, and it's been amazing to watch how that small shift has increased both focus and motivation.\r\n\r\nWe are currently working on a writing unit where students are crafting stories based on their own experiences. I've noticed that when they're able to sit where they're most comfortable, their ideas flow more easily and they're more eager to write. Some prefer the stools at the low tables, while others love the movement and bounce they offer during reading and math centers. Having these options has helped my students regulate their energy and stay engaged for longer stretches of time.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has helped my students feel seen, respected, and excited to come to school. Next, we'll be starting our nonfiction writing unit, and I know these new seating choices will continue to support them as they explore, create, and grow.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and helping make it a more joyful, flexible, and inspiring space to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1673544883815,"projectUrl":"project/the-best-sit-in-the-class/6858072/","projectTitle":"The Best Sit In The Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kinsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8020484_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656523996878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8020484"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5840","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":382,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":94,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.7,"schoolId":5840,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John Fiske Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John Fiske Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/john-fiske-elementary-school/5840"}
Join the 764 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John Fiske Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 382 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.1:1.
Its teachers have had 362 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
96%
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.
John Fiske Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
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.
John Fiske Elementary School
$165,592
raised using DonorsChoose
362
projects
funded
39
teachers
funded
764
donors
12
projects
for
basic supplies
41
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
John Fiske Elementary School has received support from
494 individuals from Illinois and
270 individuals out-of-state.