{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kilmer Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":47.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7476508,"projectId":9856113,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of an electric binding machine. Your support has made a valuable impact on our classroom.This machine will allow me to create organized, durable instructional materials, student resources, and learning booklets that will be used throughout the year. Having professionally bound materials helps students stay organized, take pride in their work, and engage more effectively with their learning. I truly appreciate your generosity and commitment to supporting education. Your donation will benefit many students for years to come, and I am very grateful for your investment in our classroom. Thank you again for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1765835003150,"projectUrl":"project/workbooks-are-a-necessity/9856113/","projectTitle":"Workbooks Are A Necessity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mercado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7476508_orig.jpg?crop=475,475,x40,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704860216840","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-mercado"},{"teacherId":2477912,"projectId":9398123,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our Pre-K classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of you, my students now have access to a wide variety of high-quality art, math, and classroom materials that will enrich their learning experiences every day.\r\n\r\nThe Kwik Stix paint pens, crayons, drawing paper, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, wood slices, and multicultural face cutouts are already inspiring creativity, self-expression, and fine motor development. Our students are especially excited to explore different skin tones in their artwork, helping them celebrate diversity and see themselves represented in authentic, meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe interlocking gram unit cubes and dry erase lap boards are making math and problem-solving more engaging and hands-on, while the printing supplies and photo paper allow me to create clear visuals, learning materials, and family communication that directly support student success. Even organizational and classroom supplies like table skirts and tape help create a welcoming, functional learning environment where students can focus and thrive.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact on our classroom by giving my students the tools they need to explore, create, collaborate, and grow with confidence. Thank you for believing in early childhood education and for investing in our young learners. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1759349725283,"projectUrl":"project/little-artists-big-dreams/9398123/","projectTitle":"Little Artists, Big Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wright","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2477912_orig.jpg?crop=1188,1188,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670604109211","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wright111"},{"teacherId":2477912,"projectId":9745170,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your support, our students now have a Heavy-Duty Fold & Roll Cubby Unit from Lakeshore Learning, and it has made a meaningful difference in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe moment the cubby unit arrived, my students were thrilled. They were especially excited to start helping me open the box! They were also excited to have a special place to put away their cars and block toys. Being able to organize and store their materials independently has helped them build responsibility, teamwork, and pride in caring for their classroom. Clean-up time has become more engaging and purposeful, and the cubby unit has helped our classroom run more smoothly each day.\r\n\r\nThis cubby unit will continue to benefit our students well beyond this school year. One of the features we truly appreciate is the ability to lock the unit during the summer months. This allows us to keep the materials safe and well-maintained so that next year's students will also be able to enjoy and learn from them. Your donation is creating a lasting impact that will support many children for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their learning experience. Your generosity has made our classroom a more organized, joyful, and an effective place to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1758859921416,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-organization-a-secure-storage-s/9745170/","projectTitle":"Rolling Organization: a Secure Storage Solution for Our Pre-K Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wright","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2477912_orig.jpg?crop=1188,1188,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670604109211","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wright111"},{"teacherId":7476508,"projectId":9730170,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of anchor charts. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom.The anchor charts are already helping students better understand key concepts, stay engaged in lessons, and build confidence in their learning. Having these visual supports allows me to reinforce skills in a clear, accessible way and creates a more supportive learning environment for every student. I truly appreciate your kindness and commitment to education. Your generosity directly impacts our students' success, and we are very grateful for your support. Thank you again for investing in our classroom and our learners.","fullyFundedDate":1764598862857,"projectUrl":"project/anchor-charts/9730170/","projectTitle":"Anchor Charts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mercado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7476508_orig.jpg?crop=475,475,x40,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704860216840","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-mercado"},{"teacherId":4067790,"projectId":9480042,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations and for bringing so much joy to our students. They have absolutely loved every new addition to our choice time centers. Through these materials, students are applying their knowledge of community helpers while getting a closer look at the tools, clothing, and responsibilities connected to each role.\r\n\r\nWe unboxed each item together as a class over the course of two days, and the excitement was truly unforgettable. Every time a new item was revealed, students gasped with excitement, cheered, and smiled from ear to ear. They were eager to begin using the materials right away.\r\n\r\nStudents have been especially enthusiastic during choice time and have all had opportunities to explore the new activities. They are role-playing, using their imaginations, and working collaboratively as they engage with the food and kitchen items. Students are also learning new things about themselves through the vet, doctor, dentist, and hairstylist centers, with many beginning to show new interests and preferences. The dress-up center quickly became a favorite, with students working together to create new looks for one another.\r\n\r\nThe level of engagement has been incredible, and the collaboration among students has been phenomenal. They are sharing more, engaging in meaningful conversations, and making strong connections between their play and our classroom learning. Your generosity has truly made a lasting impact on our classroom—thank you for supporting our students in such a meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1761936084560,"projectUrl":"project/play-is-the-work-of-childhood-jean/9480042/","projectTitle":"\"Play Is the Work of Childhood\" --Jean Piaget","teacherDisplayName":"Teacher Jezerak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4067790_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757277749299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4067790"},{"teacherId":128418,"projectId":9727335,"letterContent":"I want to express my sincere gratitude for your generosity in funding my recent DonorsChoose project. Thanks to your support, my students now have high-quality headphones that are already making a tremendous difference in our classroom. I cannot tell you how excited the students were when we opened the boxes! I also have to add that they just couldn't believe that people that they don't even know were willing to buy supplies for them. \r\n\r\nThese headphones allow students to focus during independent learning, access digital reading and math programs without distraction, and work at their own pace with confidence. The improved sound quality has helped create a calmer, more productive learning environment, and my students are genuinely excited to use them each day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has provided tools that directly impact student success. We are deeply appreciative of your belief in our classroom. Thank you for investing in my students, our learning community, and our shared commitment to helping children thrive.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1758587690455,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-all/9727335/","projectTitle":"Headphones for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schaper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp128418_orig.jpg?crop=728,729,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758225206189","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/128418"},{"teacherId":7476508,"projectId":9661858,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your generous donation of snacks. Your thoughtful contribution helped ensure that our participants stayed energized and comfortable throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nYour support truly makes a difference and helps us continue providing a positive experience for everyone involved. We are grateful for your kindness and for being part of our team community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and continued support. We value your partnership and look forward to working with you in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1758222133805,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time/9661858/","projectTitle":"Snack Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mercado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7476508_orig.jpg?crop=475,475,x40,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704860216840","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-mercado"},{"teacherId":7476508,"projectId":9730176,"letterContent":"On behalf of the fifth and sixth grade Kilmer Volleyball Team, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of volleyball equipment. Your support means so much to our players and coaches. With the new knee pads and volleyballs, we're able to practice and compete at a higher level and continue improving our skills. Your contribution doesn't just provide equipment—it strengthens our sense of teamwork, pride, and motivation. It's wonderful to know that we have people like you who believe in our athletes and what we're building together. Thank you once again for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1759791565922,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-equipment/9730176/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mercado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7476508_orig.jpg?crop=475,475,x40,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704860216840","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-mercado"},{"teacherId":8670815,"projectId":9668072,"letterContent":"Providing tablets for students in a cluster program has a significant positive impact on learning and engagement. Tablets support individualized instruction by offering interactive, visual, and accessible lessons that meet each student's IEP goals. They enhance communication for nonverbal students through AAC apps, build language and functional technology skills, and promote independence with visual schedules and task management tools. Students show increased motivation and focus when using interactive learning apps, while teachers benefit from easier data collection and differentiation. Overall, tablets improve academic achievement, communication, and social-emotional growth when integrated with structured routines and staff support.","fullyFundedDate":1758115966561,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-to-second-grade-special-edu/9668072/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten to Second Grade Special Education Technology Need","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661988122484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670815"},{"teacherId":6634762,"projectId":9609322,"letterContent":"Thank you to your generosity, my students now walk into our classroom each day surrounded by stories that look, sound and feel like them. The shelves are no longer filled with only the same old titles, they now hold diverse books that represent our students voices, cultures and experiences. From novels set in neighborhoods that look like theirs, to poems written by authors who share their heritage and languages, every new books has opened a door for connection and pride. \r\nIn our class reading is no linger a quiet, solitary task. It is alive! The students curl up and read sometimes jotting down their reactions, favorite lines and personal connections. I have seen quiet students, who rarely volunteer to read , find a voice through these books.\r\nThank you for providing this for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1756234607848,"projectUrl":"project/voices-that-shine-diverse-stories-for-o/9609322/","projectTitle":"Voices that Shine: Diverse Stories for our 8th Grade Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Loza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lozarok1"},{"teacherId":764823,"projectId":9743261,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Inspiring Effort and Character\" project. Your generosity has helped create a classroom where positive behavior, perseverance, and personal growth are truly celebrated every day. Because of you, my students feel valued and motivated to do their best both academically and personally. Your kindness has made a real difference in their lives, and we're incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you again for believing in our students and investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1758636694587,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-effort-and-character-classroo/9743261/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Effort and Character: Classroom Rewards for Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. W.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp764823_orig.jpg?crop=1597,1597,x0,y218&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694367617131","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/764823"},{"teacherId":764823,"projectId":9743121,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Art integration enriches and personalizes learning for all students. These materials allow students to explore their creativity and express their understanding in more meaningful, hands-on ways. Integrating art into our lessons has brought new excitement to learning. Students are more engaged, motivated, and confident as they connect academic content with creative expression. Your support has helped create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment, and we are truly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1758848535360,"projectUrl":"project/art-materials-for-inspiring-young-learne/9743121/","projectTitle":"Art Materials for Inspiring Young Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. W.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp764823_orig.jpg?crop=1597,1597,x0,y218&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694367617131","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/764823"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5446","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":784,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":52.8,"schoolId":5446,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kilmer Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kilmer Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/kilmer-elementary-school/5446"}