{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kozminski Community Academy","outOfStateSupporters":40.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10556495,"projectId":10641140,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Little Learners Big Feelings: Creating Our Cozy Calm Corner!\" Your generosity has helped us create a special space in our Pre-K classroom where children can relax, explore their feelings, and practice calming their bodies when emotions feel big. Our new color-changing touch board, cozy beanbag chair, weighted stuffed animal, liquid motion bubbler, and storage bins for sensory toys give our little learners comforting tools to use throughout the school day. When the children first saw the new materials, they were excited and curious to explore them! They especially enjoyed watching the colorful lights change, following the gentle movement of the liquid motion bubbler, and snuggling up with the soft stuffed animal in the beanbag chair. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they discovered that our classroom now has a special place just for calming down and taking a break.\r\n\r\nWe are using our cozy calm corner to help students learn that all feelings are okay and that there are positive ways to manage them. For example, when a child feels frustrated, overwhelmed, or needs a quiet moment, we can encourage them to visit the calm corner, watch the bubbler, explore the touch board, or sit comfortably with the weighted stuffed animal. These resources support our students as they begin developing self-regulation, emotional awareness, and independence. We are also teaching children to recognize their feelings, use simple words to express their emotions, and choose tools that help them feel calm and ready to learn again. The storage bins help keep our sensory materials organized and accessible, allowing students to practice making choices and caring for their classroom resources.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue incorporating the calm corner into our daily routines and social-emotional learning activities. We will practice identifying emotions, naming feelings, and exploring different calming strategies through stories, conversations, and role-playing. As our little learners grow, we hope they will become more confident in recognizing their emotions and choosing appropriate ways to manage them. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where children feel safe, supported, and understood. Your kindness has given our students more than just wonderful materials; it has helped us build a space where little learners can work through big feelings and develop skills that will support them both in school and beyond. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our students!","fullyFundedDate":1789560011073,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-feelings-creating/10641140/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Feelings: Creating Our Cozy Calm Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10556495"},{"teacherId":10556495,"projectId":10422019,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Creating a Sensory-Friendly Pre-K Classroom!\" Your generosity has helped us create a more welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environment for our little learners. Our new materials, including kinetic sand, storytime audiobooks, noise-canceling headphones, textured sensory tiles, fidget toys, and chew necklaces, give students different ways to explore, learn, and feel comfortable in the classroom. When the materials first arrived, the children were excited and curious to explore the new items. They especially enjoyed touching the textured materials, squishing and molding the kinetic sand, and discovering the different ways they could use the sensory tools during the school day.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources during literacy centers, quiet time, and hands-on learning activities. For example, during storytime, students can listen to audiobooks and use noise-canceling headphones when they need a quieter space to focus and enjoy a story. The kinetic sand, textured sensory tiles, and fidget toys provide opportunities for children to engage their senses while practicing fine motor skills, exploring textures, and developing self-regulation skills. The chew necklaces also provide an appropriate sensory option for students who benefit from oral sensory input. These resources help us recognize that every child learns differently and that meeting individual sensory needs can help children feel calmer, more comfortable, and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue incorporating these materials into our daily routines and literacy activities while helping students learn which tools work best for them. We will encourage children to explore the sensory materials, practice making choices that support their learning, and build independence as they move between classroom activities. Your support is helping us create a classroom where children feel safe, included, and ready to learn. Thank you for investing in our youngest learners and giving them more opportunities to grow, explore, and succeed. Your kindness is making a meaningful difference in our classroom every day!","fullyFundedDate":1786533071166,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-sensory-friendly-pre-k-classr/10422019/","projectTitle":"Creating a Sensory-Friendly Pre-K Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10556495"},{"teacherId":10556495,"projectId":10389721,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Little Ears, Big Focus: Blended Pre-K Literacy Hub!\" Your generosity has helped make learning more engaging, comfortable, and exciting for our pre-K students. With our new listening center headphones for iPads and flexible seating cushions, we are creating a literacy-rich environment where young learners can explore stories, build listening skills, and develop a love of reading. The headphones allow students to listen to books, stories, and literacy activities at their own pace while staying focused and minimizing distractions. The flexible seating cushions give students comfortable options during learning time, helping them settle in and participate in activities that support their individual learning needs.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part is seeing our students' enthusiasm as they use the technology and enjoy their new learning space! They love listening to stories on the iPads, following along with literacy activities, and having a special place where they can focus on learning. These resources also encourage independence by allowing students to practice listening, strengthen vocabulary, recognize sounds, and build early literacy skills in an interactive way. Our flexible seating cushions help make learning feel welcoming and give our little learners a comfortable spot to enjoy books and activities.\r\n\r\nYour support is making a meaningful difference in our classroom by helping us meet the diverse needs of our youngest learners. Whether a student is excited to explore a new story, needs a little extra support staying focused, or simply enjoys having a comfortable place to learn, these resources help create more opportunities for success. Thank you for investing in our students and helping us build a classroom where little ears listen, little minds grow, and big learning happens every day. We are truly grateful for your kindness and for helping make learning a joyful experience for our pre-K learners!","fullyFundedDate":1785341658066,"projectUrl":"project/little-ears-big-focus-blended-pre-k-li/10389721/","projectTitle":"Little Ears, Big Focus: Blended Pre-K Literacy Hub","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10556495"},{"teacherId":3761774,"projectId":10314227,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! As a teacher of grade levels K-8th, supplies are in high-need! So far we have explored an Identity unit as well as created some amazing projects to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. We love seeing our beautiful artworks in the hallways of our school!\r\n\r\nAt our school, students speak 11+ native languages, but art is one language that unifies us. We love to use our cultures and backgrounds to inspire our artworks, teach others about ourselves, and to help us understand and learn about the world around us.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our mission to be the best artists we can be and to share our love with the world!","fullyFundedDate":1785196677057,"projectUrl":"project/essential-supplies-for-our-aspiring-arti/10314227/","projectTitle":"Essential Supplies for our Aspiring Artists!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Buie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3761774_orig.jpg?crop=974,974,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686852464560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art-with-mrs-buie"},{"teacherId":3761774,"projectId":10581440,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible donation! Because of you, we were able to transform our art classroom into a language lab! Students are using their headphones multiple times throughout their week to join a virtual Spanish class. Some students are even eligible to get a head start on earning high school credits for language! \r\n\r\nI have seen the engagement of our students increase tremendously now that all students have access to headphones and we have multiple chromebook chargers. By eliminating these technology hurdles, we are able to come into class, plug-in, and focus on our Spanish instruction! \r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our Cougars!","fullyFundedDate":1789233643700,"projectUrl":"project/plugged-in-focused-and-speaking-spanis/10581440/","projectTitle":"Plugged In, Focused, and Speaking Spanish!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Buie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3761774_orig.jpg?crop=974,974,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686852464560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art-with-mrs-buie"},{"teacherId":6618884,"projectId":10416502,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Let's Have Fun in 3rd Grade\" project! Your generosity has brought so much joy, motivation, and hands-on creativity into our classroom.\r\nThe variety of materials funded through this project—ranging from creative supplies to reward incentives—has made a wonderful difference in our daily routines:\r\n * Incentivizing Positive Behavior & Attendance: The mini plush keychains, mochi squishies, lollipops, and scratch-and-sniff bookmarks have transformed our classroom store and treasure chest. Students are incredibly motivated to demonstrate kindness, stay focused on their learning targets, and take ownership of their behavior to earn these fun incentives.\r\n * Hands-On & Tactile Learning: The Play-Doh modeling compound and bulk Crayola classpack give students vibrant tools for tactile learning. Whether building 3D shapes during math centers, sculpting representations for science concepts, or creating art projects, these materials allow students to express their understanding in creative, engaging ways.\r\n * Fostering a Joyful Community: Having these shared supplies makes school feel like a welcoming, fun, and supportive space where hard work is celebrated and learning feels like an adventure every day.\r\nYour kindness has helped create an environment where my 3rd graders feel valued, excited, and eager to come to school ready to learn. Thank you for bringing so many smiles to our room!","fullyFundedDate":1787664869264,"projectUrl":"project/lets-have-fun-in-3rd-grade/10416502/","projectTitle":"Let's Have Fun in 3rd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6618884_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565565056221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6618884"},{"teacherId":6618884,"projectId":10423274,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support! The resources provided through the \"Math Masters\" project have made an incredible impact on our daily learning environment and academic progress in 3rd grade.\r\n\r\nHaving dedicated math materials and classroom supports right at our students' fingertips has elevated our math instruction and daily routines in several meaningful ways:\r\n\r\nDaily Math Tools & Independence: The 4-pocket math resource folders and reference desktop nameplates (featuring multiplication charts, fractions, cursive reference, and number lines) give students immediate access to essential math tools. They no longer have to wait for help during independent practice—they can easily look at their desk reference tags to double-check multiplication facts or visualize fractions, building both confidence and self-reliance. Organization & Focus: The multi-pocket math folders help students keep their work, practice sheets, and reference materials organized. This reduces transition times between activities and allows students to devote more time and energy directly to solving problems and practicing skills. A Warm & Inspiring Environment: The additional supportive classroom touches—like our clear expectations poster and bright classroom decor—create an inviting, positive atmosphere where students feel safe taking risks, asking questions, and celebrating their progress in math. \r\n\r\nYour support has given my students the tools and confidence they need to truly feel like \"Math Masters\" every day. Thank you for investing in our classroom community and helping our young learners thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1787664863122,"projectUrl":"project/math-masters/10423274/","projectTitle":"Math Masters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6618884_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565565056221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6618884"},{"teacherId":6618884,"projectId":10432307,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! The addition of the new rainbow sheer curtains has brought so much light, color, and warmth into our 3rd-grade classroom.\r\nThese colorful panels have truly transformed our learning environment in several key ways:\r\n * A Welcoming, Joyful Environment: The bright colors instantly brighten up the room, turning our classroom into a vibrant and inviting space where students feel happy, comfortable, and excited to learn each day.\r\n * Softening the Space: The sheer fabric lets in wonderful natural light while softening harsh glare, creating a calm, soothing ambiance that makes it easier for students to focus during quiet reading and independent work times.\r\n * Creating Distinct Learning Zones: We've used these colorful drapes to frame key areas of our room—like our reading nook and gathering spaces—making the classroom feel intentional, cozy, and homey.\r\nYour generosity has helped turn our classroom into a colorful, inspiring sanctuary for learning. Thank you for making a difference for my students!\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1787664833988,"projectUrl":"project/rainbow-curtains/10432307/","projectTitle":"Rainbow Curtains","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6618884_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565565056221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6618884"},{"teacherId":6618884,"projectId":10416410,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support! The addition of our new classroom rug has made a transformative difference in our 3rd-grade classroom.\r\nBefore having this designated space, gather-and-read activities or group discussions often lacked a defined central hub. Now, our new rug serves as the vibrant, welcoming heart of our room. It has completely elevated our daily routine in several key ways:\r\n * Community & Collaboration: The rug provides a dedicated spot for our morning meetings, read-alouds, and group discussions. It gives every student a comfortable, cozy place to sit, encouraging them to listen, share ideas, and connect with their peers in a warm and inclusive setting.\r\n * Focus & Organization: Having a defined gathering area helps structure our transitions throughout the day. Students know exactly where to go when it's time for mini-lessons or group instruction, which minimizes distractions and keeps everyone engaged and focused on learning.\r\n * A Cozy Learning Environment: Beyond its functional benefits, the rug has added so much color and warmth to our classroom atmosphere. It creates a flexible seating option where students love to sprawl out with a good book during independent reading time or work together on collaborative group projects.\r\nYour support has truly helped transform our classroom into a cozy, structured, and inspiring place for my students to learn and grow every day. Thank you again for making this possible for our classroom community!\r\nWith sincere gratitude,\r\nMs. Miller\r\n3rd Grade Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1787664878191,"projectUrl":"project/rug-for-third-grade/10416410/","projectTitle":"Rug For Third Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6618884_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565565056221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6618884"},{"teacherId":6618884,"projectId":10294261,"letterContent":"Donating these items directly improves student comfort, daily readiness, and classroom health.\r\n * 4 Stadium/Floor Seats: Provides flexible, ergonomic floor seating options. This helps students who focus better outside of traditional desks or during group reading, floor activities, and circle time.\r\n * 576 Pre-Sharpened #2 Pencils: Eliminates a major daily distraction by ensuring every student has basic writing utensils ready to use immediately, saving valuable instruction time otherwise spent sharpening pencils or searching for supplies.\r\n * Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Bundle: Helps maintain a clean, sanitized learning environment, reducing the spread of germs, sick days, and student absenteeism throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1785196675496,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-seats-for-students/10294261/","projectTitle":"Comfy Seats for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6618884_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565565056221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6618884"},{"teacherId":6618884,"projectId":10375901,"letterContent":"Receiving these items directly addresses core daily instructional needs in a third-grade classroom by supporting digital learning, independent focus, and basic academic readiness.\r\n * Enhanced Digital Learning & Focus (Konohan Headphones): Having a dedicated set of 64 headphones ensures every student can actively participate in personalized digital programs (such as i-Ready, reading practice, or instructional videos) without auditory distractions or sound bleed across the room. It allows students to focus on audio-supported instruction at their own pace while maintaining a quiet learning environment.\r\n * Instructional Readiness & Efficiency (Enday #2 Pre-Sharpened Pencils): A bulk supply of 300 pre-sharpened pencils eliminates time wasted during transitions or instructional periods spent at the pencil sharpener. Ensuring every child immediately has a working writing tool keeps lessons moving smoothly and removes a common barrier to written tasks, tests, and independent seatwork.\r\n * Equity & Reduced Stress: Providing these basic tools ensures no student feels singled out or left behind for lacking supplies, creating a supportive, well-equipped classroom environment where every learner has equal access to learning tools.","fullyFundedDate":1784036439350,"projectUrl":"project/i-can-hear-you/10375901/","projectTitle":"I Can Hear You!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6618884_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565565056221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6618884"},{"teacherId":4837865,"projectId":10417482,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting \"Super Scientists Are Super Clean\"! Middle schoolers are notoriously germy, but your generosity equips our classroom with hand sanitizer, wipes, and Kleenex to keep everyone healthy. Healthy students attend more school, and attending more school means more learning! Cleaning up after our science experiments creates a well-run classroom where my students feel motivated to try their best every day. Science is the foundation of STEAM, and your gift ensures our future thinkers can explore safely. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1785804792120,"projectUrl":"project/super-scientists-are-super-clean/10417482/","projectTitle":"Super Scientists Are Super Clean","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4837865_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506607521991","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4837865"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5539","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":274,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":79,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":72,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.7,"schoolId":5539,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kozminski Community Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kozminski Community Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/kozminski-community-academy/5539"}