{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John M Smyth Magnet School","outOfStateSupporters":27.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7955101,"projectId":9843474,"letterContent":"Students are also practicing responsibility by assisting with snack distribution and clean-up. These routines promote independence, cooperation, and respect for our shared space. Your support has provided more than just snacks it has helped create a nurturing classroom environment where students feel supported, focused, ready to succeed each day. Thank you for making a meaningful impact on my students' learning and well-being. Snack time has a positive routine that helps students reset, refocus.","fullyFundedDate":1763498198102,"projectUrl":"project/power-snacks/9843474/","projectTitle":"Power Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7955101"},{"teacherId":7955101,"projectId":9800398,"letterContent":"Thanks to you, our next steps involve building on this strong foundation. Students are currently working on applying these social-emotional skills during collaborative academic tasks, such as partner reading and group problemsolving activities. This project encourages independence and self-awareness while reinforcing the lessons they are learning every day. Your support has given my students more than materials it has given them tools they will carry with them beyond the classroom. Your the best","fullyFundedDate":1760705198566,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-fun/9800398/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7955101"},{"teacherId":7955101,"projectId":9780661,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students have access to Social and Emotional Learning resources that help them identify and communicate their feelings in healthy ways, build empathy toward their peers, manage emotions and conflicts, creating a safe, supportive classroom environment where students are able to grow emotionally, socially, and academically every day.These tools have helped create a safe, nurturing, allowing them to grow emotionally and socially while strengthening their confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1759890597711,"projectUrl":"project/social-and-emotional-learning/9780661/","projectTitle":"Social and Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7955101"},{"teacherId":10071069,"projectId":9580539,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing anchor charts for my students. These visual supports have made a meaningful difference in our classroom by helping students understand routines, expectations, and academic concepts. Many of my students learn best when information is presented visually, and the anchor charts give them clear references they can use throughout the day.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the charts, students have become more confident and independent learners. They frequently use visuals to explain their thinking, follow directions, and stay engaged during lessons. The charts also support language development by giving students consistent vocabulary and images to connect ideas. Because of your generosity, our classroom is more inclusive, organized, and supportive of all learning styles. Thank you for investing in tools.","fullyFundedDate":1760297821262,"projectUrl":"project/help-anchor-success-in-our-room/9580539/","projectTitle":"Help Anchor Success In Our Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nettles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10071069_orig.jpg?crop=3840,3840,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753289847861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10071069"},{"teacherId":10071069,"projectId":9446713,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and believing in my students. When the materials arrived, my students were immediately excited and curious to explore them. Their faces lit up as they engaged with the new resources, and they were eager to use them during our daily routines. These materials have enhanced our learning environment by providing hands-on, engaging experiences that support a variety of learning styles in our blended Pre-K classroom.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the resources, students have been using them during whole-group lessons, small groups, and independent exploration. I have seen growth in student engagement, communication, and confidence as they collaborate, take turns, and share ideas. Moving forward, these resources will continue to support meaningful learning experiences and help build strong foundational skills. Thank you for making such a positive and lasting impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1754322463317,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tiny-hands-creating-a-welcomi/9446713/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tiny Hands: Creating a Welcoming Preschool Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nettles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10071069_orig.jpg?crop=3840,3840,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753289847861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10071069"},{"teacherId":9100822,"projectId":9762579,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our new noise machine! We are truly enjoying it so much and it was the perfect holiday gift for our classroom! They were so happy when they opened it and were so excited to give it a name and find it a room in our room! We are so thankful to have received this gift from you! It is the cutest decoration and it has been so useful for students to be aware of how loud they are being while completing work and when they are upset and being loud. It is such a useful tool in the room.","fullyFundedDate":1764713487811,"projectUrl":"project/noisy-noodles/9762579/","projectTitle":"Noisy Noodles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9100822_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693324319640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9100822"},{"teacherId":8569426,"projectId":9415449,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our project! My students and I appreciate your gift of our new classroom carpets! When my students walked in to see their new carpet, they were overjoyed! To see the excitement on their faces is a memory that I will carry throughout my teaching journey. \r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom morning meetings or much more comfortable and engaging. Our class was excited to use our new carpet as a resource during our shape and colors unit! Our classroom is a place that they look forward to coming to and are proud to share with others! Again thank you for our wonderful gift!","fullyFundedDate":1758813111410,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-carpet-for-learning-and-growing/9415449/","projectTitle":"Cozy Carpet for Learning and Growing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Winston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8569426_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672532441417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8569426"},{"teacherId":8423164,"projectId":9567859,"letterContent":"The new materials have transformed our classroom into a more organized and inspiring learning space! My students were so excited when they saw the new bulletin boards and storage bins — they immediately began helping me organize supplies and pin up their favorite pieces of work. The rotating pencil holders have made it easier for them to find what they need quickly, promoting independence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was when a few students proudly used the cork boards to display their \"All About Me\" projects. Seeing their work showcased boosted their confidence and sparked conversations among classmates about each other's interests and strengths.\r\n\r\nNow that our classroom is more functional and inviting, my students can focus more on their learning projects and creative tasks. Our next step is to use these spaces to feature ongoing STEM and art projects, helping students share their learning journeys and celebrate their growth together.","fullyFundedDate":1762266327193,"projectUrl":"project/providing-essential-tools-for-a-creative/9567859/","projectTitle":"Providing Essential Tools For A Creative And Focused Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. ORN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8423164_orig.jpg?crop=1310,1310,x191,y853&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748746434273","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missorn"},{"teacherId":8423164,"projectId":9366649,"letterContent":"The moment our new sewing machine and heavy-duty scissors arrived, my students were filled with excitement and curiosity! Many of them had never seen a real sewing machine before, and their faces lit up with anticipation when I explained we'd be using it to make real items — like pencil pouches, mini pillows, and sensory-friendly fidget tools.\r\n\r\nWe started by learning the names of each part of the sewing machine, then practiced with threading and guiding fabric. For some of my students with fine motor or sensory needs, even just pushing fabric through with two hands was a big win! The scissors were perfect for students who needed extra grip support, and they've become a tool we use daily across art, life skills, and even math (measuring fabric!).\r\n\r\nOne of the most beautiful moments was watching a student with limited verbal skills complete their first stitching line with pride — they beamed and immediately asked to make something for their mom. Projects like these aren't just crafts — they build confidence, patience, and independence.\r\n\r\nUp next, we're working on a classroom quilt where each student designs a square that represents them. This project will allow them to express their identity while practicing skills like measuring, cutting, and following a pattern. Your donation made all of this possible — and our classroom is buzzing with creativity because of you!","fullyFundedDate":1756496078150,"projectUrl":"project/sew-much-potential-stitching-life-skill/9366649/","projectTitle":"Sew Much Potential: Stitching Life Skills for Special Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. ORN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8423164_orig.jpg?crop=1310,1310,x191,y853&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748746434273","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missorn"},{"teacherId":9100822,"projectId":9663773,"letterContent":"These math essentials have been such game changers in our classroom! Especially our magnetic base ten blocks! We have used them for just about everything that has to do with math! We are using them to decompose numbers, carrying in addition and borrowing in subtraction. They have really enjoyed visually seeing how numbers work! \r\nThe stapler and stapler removers have also been game changers in our classroom! We use staples a lot in here with our bulletins, sight words, and learning posters. And the staple remover makes taking down our bulletin boards every month so much easier! Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1760297819844,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-mathathon/9663773/","projectTitle":"Classroom Mathathon!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9100822_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693324319640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9100822"},{"teacherId":9100822,"projectId":9374753,"letterContent":"Thank you for all of our new classroom decor! Our room looks so bright and shiny and it is all thanks to you! The amazing new additions have given our classroom more life and color and the students are truly loving them! They have been using the calming strategies very often when they are upset and using the feelings chart to identify how they are feeling when they are unable to orally state it! They have been beyond helpful with creating a more positive classroom atmosphere. We are using our vocabulary and animal posters to learn about new things we haven't learned before. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1758829004178,"projectUrl":"project/sy-25-26-classroom-renovation/9374753/","projectTitle":"SY 25-26 Classroom Renovation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9100822_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693324319640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9100822"},{"teacherId":9100822,"projectId":9342099,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for choosing our classroom! These dividers have been such a game changer for our classroom. They have allowed us to be able to divide our room into different sections to get students to concentrate more while they are learning during small groups! When they are not being used to divide up the room, they are acting as a barrier to our toy area so students do not get distracted while doing whole group learning. They truly are an amazing addition to our room! The new colorful bins have also been amazing for keeping our toy area looking tidy and beautiful! It has given our classroom more life, thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1757514166048,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-space-update/9342099/","projectTitle":"Classroom Space Update!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9100822_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693324319640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9100822"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5828","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":364,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":90,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":94,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.6,"schoolId":5828,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John M Smyth Magnet School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John M Smyth Magnet School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/john-n-smyth-magnet-school/5828"}
Join the 456 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John M Smyth Magnet School is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 364 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.5:1.
Its teachers have had 225 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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.
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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
97%
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 M Smyth Magnet School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 12, 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.
John M Smyth Magnet School
$94,589
raised using DonorsChoose
225
projects
funded
54
teachers
funded
456
donors
18
projects
for
basic supplies
30
projects for
technology
34
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
John M Smyth Magnet School has received support from
331 individuals from Illinois and
125 individuals out-of-state.