{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ronald McNair Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9920445,"projectId":9695220,"letterContent":"Thank you donors for your contribution to my classroom. My students are using the products that were donated as a clam down tool when things seem to get to much for them. Seeing as though my students are artistic/non-verbal students, they see the items and know what they are and I feel like they express themselves via knowing what fidget suits best for them. the next steps in my classroom is to teach my students how to identify colors, shapes, letters, numbers, and also calm down time. I think that part will go smoothly for them.","fullyFundedDate":1758927818450,"projectUrl":"project/fidget-world/9695220/","projectTitle":"Fidget World","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Whitfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9920445_orig.jpg?crop=811,811,x0,y83&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740499824462","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sotoris-whitfield"},{"teacherId":9920445,"projectId":9483117,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. My students and I have been using these materials to make sure the classroom is fully cleaned, organized, and smelling good. A specific classroom moment was when one of the students got sick and threw up. We came together in the class and made sure that everything got cleaned and sanitized. Seeing as though my students are artistic and non-verbal, they really didn't know what was what. In my classroom, we do a number of things with kids in making sure that learning gos forth. So, our next lesson project is teaching them how to cut, paste, recognize colors and shape.","fullyFundedDate":1764740673016,"projectUrl":"project/clean-up-clean-up-everybody-do-your-sh/9483117/","projectTitle":"Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Whitfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9920445_orig.jpg?crop=811,811,x0,y83&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740499824462","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sotoris-whitfield"},{"teacherId":8072486,"projectId":9963507,"letterContent":"In Chicago, the transition from fall to winter and the unpredictable \"second winter\" of spring means our students spend a significant portion of their year indoors. Without a playground to burn off energy, preschool classrooms in underserved areas can become places of high stress. However, thanks to your support of indoor puzzles and collaborative games, you have transformed our long winter months into a season of cognitive and social growth.\r\n\r\nThey say if you don't like the weather in Chicago, wait five minutes—but for a preschooler, five minutes without an activity feels like an hour! Thank you for making our indoor days the best days of the week.","fullyFundedDate":1774963814234,"projectUrl":"project/chicago-winters-indoor-recess/9963507/","projectTitle":"Chicago Winters = Indoor Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stonewall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8072486_orig.jpg?crop=1193,1194,x0,y505&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639587192835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8072486"},{"teacherId":5679273,"projectId":9968228,"letterContent":"We would like to thank you all for the cleaning materials for our classroom. Our students are able to learn in a clean environment. The season has changed and our students are coming to school with colds. We have taught them to sneeze and cough in their arms but sometimes they forget and spread unwanted germs to their friends. With your help we are able to sanitize the children play areas at the end of each day. We are utilizing the lysol wipes to keep our doorknobs, chairs, light switches and furniture clean. We have a bathroom in our classroom which needs attention throughout the day. We are able to do a check and clean up behind our boys who sometimes tend to miss the toilet, lol. \r\n\r\nI would like to share my reaction first, lol. I was so excited that our project got chosen. I was like wow, this is so cool. As the packages began to arrive, we laid everything out to make sure we received everything. As the children walked in from their special, they were like wow, we have a lot of stuff. They were so happy, it doesnt take much to put a smile on their faces. \r\n\r\nIts getting close to the end of the school year, so my next project is to continue to clean, organize, pack and store. I am currently working on organizing my closet so I will definitely need more storage bins. Once im done with the closet, my plan is to update the kids library, will need new storage bins for that as well. As im packing and sorting, I will get rid of things that are broken or that have missing pieces.","fullyFundedDate":1774963810338,"projectUrl":"project/a-healthy-start-to-a-new-year/9968228/","projectTitle":"A Healthy Start to a New Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Townes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5679273_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y295&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739299658065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5679273"},{"teacherId":8843333,"projectId":9977535,"letterContent":"I would like to say Thank you for your generosity. The students are enjoying the snacks and juice for snack time. As you can see the sunglasses are a biggest hit. \r\n\r\nWe use the baby bottles in our dramatic play area, and I wish you could hear the conversations going on. Watching the students cooking and feeding their baby all the same time, is a sight to see.\r\n\r\nAs for our cleaning supplies, they are always in need. The weather is constantly changing, and the students noses are always running.\r\n\r\nIn closing, we appreciate your funding to our project.","fullyFundedDate":1772550520034,"projectUrl":"project/jump-starting-2026-in-a-new-way/9977535/","projectTitle":"Jump Starting 2026 In A New Way","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeFeLL","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8843333_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707333856219","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8843333"},{"teacherId":9010448,"projectId":9865272,"letterContent":"I want to start out by saying a huge THANK YOU for funding my project! The headphones have made a huge impact in my classroom! I have a handful of students who have individualized learning plans where they have accommodations that require them to be able to listen to texts we are reading in class. These headphones have allowed them to access texts in the classroom and work towards their goals! \r\n\r\nAnother valuable feature of these headphones is that they have a microphone. My students have plans where instead of writing by hand they are able to speak into the speaker and what they say comes up on the screen. For students who are unable to write, these headphones have provided them a way to complete their writing assignments. \r\n\r\nThese headphones have made such a positive impact on my students learning experience and it is all thanks to YOU. THANK YOU!!","fullyFundedDate":1763391313750,"projectUrl":"project/middle-school-headphones/9865272/","projectTitle":"Middle School Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vermeulen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010448_orig.jpg?crop=1067,1067,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685977340202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9010448"},{"teacherId":8072486,"projectId":9938733,"letterContent":"My students are so very happy with their new Tonie's Box! I have set up a center within the library for the Tonie's Box and the characters. It's by far the most popular center in the classroom and is highly requested daily. This has made it easier for students to engage with literacy out side of books in the library. The characters are relatable and most of their favorites. \r\n\r\nWhen I first set up the center, all of the students wanted to know what it was and what it did. We did a whole group activity with the Paw Patrol story and the students were fully engaged for 30 minutes!!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for providing my students with an experience they wouldn't have had other wise. Your generosity will never be forgotten and will carry on for many years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1764695735664,"projectUrl":"project/make-literacy-fun-and-engaging/9938733/","projectTitle":"Make Literacy Fun and Engaging!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stonewall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8072486_orig.jpg?crop=1193,1194,x0,y505&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639587192835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8072486"},{"teacherId":10263833,"projectId":9717707,"letterContent":"Because of you, our classroom feels more engaging and more intentional. We're using the puzzles during small group time to practice letter sounds and number recognition in a way my students can truly access. The train set has become a favorite during choice time, helping us work on sharing, communication, and staying engaged. The visual timers and calming light covera have helped create a softer, more structured space for students to feel safe and regulated.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, their faces said it all. They were curious, excited, and ready to explore. Watching them light up and dive in was such a special moment for me as their teacher.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these materials will continue to support communication, independence, and confidence in everyday learning. Your kindness didn't just fund supplies, it poured into a group of students who deserve every opportunity to thrive. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1760824550483,"projectUrl":"project/voices-beyond-words-tools-for-my-nonver/9717707/","projectTitle":"Voices Beyond Words: Tools for My Nonverbal Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10263833_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758846589250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10263833"},{"teacherId":8072486,"projectId":9945677,"letterContent":"Teachers Pay Teachers is a website where teachers create resources for other teachers to purchace for their classroom. Teachers Pay Teachers has resources in literacy, math , sciences and much more. These resources are avilable for grades Pre-K -12th grade. There are free recources available, however most of the items are for purchase. In preschool, we have themed units and I find supplemental materials on Teachers Pay Teachers that directly aligns to the curriculm. \r\n\r\nReceiving the Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards have been most helpful. I have been able to create engaging lessons that align with our curriculum using materials I purchased. I will be able to use these materials for many years to come. Your genorsity is the reason my students have been enjoying engaging lessons!","fullyFundedDate":1765981102402,"projectUrl":"project/dont-reinvent-the-wheel/9945677/","projectTitle":"Don't Reinvent the Wheel!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stonewall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8072486_orig.jpg?crop=1193,1194,x0,y505&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639587192835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8072486"},{"teacherId":8843333,"projectId":9963456,"letterContent":"I would like to say Thank You for your generosity. As you can see from the photos, the students are enjoying the dancing ribbons, the tambourines, and the microphones. They are going to be great accessories to accompany their costumes for our Black History Program. \r\n \r\nAs the weather has changed and is getting colder, the students face constantly needs to be cleaned and wiped. The baby wipes are great to have on hand. \r\n\r\nIn closing, we want to say Thanks again for all your support to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1766020991629,"projectUrl":"project/dancing-into-the-lunar-new-year-2026/9963456/","projectTitle":"Dancing Into the Lunar New Year, 2026","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeFeLL","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8843333_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707333856219","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8843333"},{"teacherId":8843333,"projectId":9940684,"letterContent":"I would like to say Thank You for all your generous donations. As you can see the students really are enjoying the pop up blocks, the kenetic sand, and the building blocks. I enjoy watching them buildings things, and then express what they built. The sand is always a hit on our \"Fun Fridays.\"\r\n\r\nThe gloves and lysol sprays, are great to have on hand. With the running noses, cleaning, and food handling that goes on daily inside a prek classroom, they are constantly in demand.\r\n\r\nIn closing, we would like to say Thanks again.","fullyFundedDate":1765982248582,"projectUrl":"project/little-elves-on-the-shelf/9940684/","projectTitle":"Little Elves on the Shelf","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeFeLL","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8843333_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707333856219","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8843333"},{"teacherId":4802414,"projectId":9436142,"letterContent":"Here is a polished, ready-to-send donor update letter you can customize:\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\nWhen our new materials arrived, my students could hardly wait to dive in. The very first day, I watched them gather excitedly around the resources, pointing out details, asking questions, and imagining all the ways we could use them. One moment that stood out was during our first hands-on activity: students who are usually hesitant were suddenly fully engaged, collaborating, and eagerly explaining their thinking to each other. It was clear that these materials opened a door for them—not just to learn, but to feel confident doing it.\r\n\r\nSince then, the resources have become a daily part of our classroom. We've used them most recently in a project where students explored ___ (insert subject/topic—e.g., researching ecosystems, building simple machines, practicing reading strategies, creating art techniques). The new materials allowed students to experiment, revise, and problem-solve in ways we simply couldn't before. One group proudly shared their work with the whole class, saying, \"We never could've made this without the new stuff!\" Their excitement has been contagious.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, my students are building on this momentum. Our next step is to expand the project by ___ (insert next step—e.g., conducting further research, creating final presentations, designing models, publishing their writing). Because of your support, they now have the tools they need to push their thinking further and take real ownership of their learning. Thank you for giving them the opportunity to learn, explore, and dream a little bigger every day.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\nIf you'd like, I can tailor this to your subject, grade level, and specific materials—just tell me what your project provided!","fullyFundedDate":1755874627912,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-level-up-our-5th-grade-learning/9436142/","projectTitle":"Help us Level up our 5th Grade Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McField","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4802414_orig.jpg?crop=392,392,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596654885677","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4802414"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5415","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":333,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":74,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.9,"schoolId":5415,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ronald McNair Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ronald McNair Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/mcnair-academic-center/5415"}
Join the 917 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ronald McNair Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 333 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.8:1.
Its teachers have had 315 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Ronald McNair Elementary School
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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.
Ronald McNair Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 10, 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.
Ronald McNair Elementary School
$206,671
raised using DonorsChoose
315
projects
funded
78
teachers
funded
917
donors
34
projects
for
basic supplies
45
projects for
technology
30
projects for
books
15
projects
for
art supplies
Ronald McNair Elementary School has received support from
558 individuals from Illinois and
359 individuals out-of-state.