{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"National Teachers Academy","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8330426,"projectId":8377690,"letterContent":"Thank you again so much for contributing to this project. Bins might not seem like such a big deal, but when your classroom is overflowing the books, the bins become absolutely necessary for organizational purposes. We have bins for all kinds of books - realistic fiction, fantasy, poetry, novels-in-verse, biography, and informational texts of all kinds, including on scientific and historical topics. The students help me keep the library organized, as I have several librarians-in-waiting amongst our students. So, again, thank you for your help in keeping this project alive.","fullyFundedDate":1715187579174,"projectUrl":"project/bins-bins-and-more-bins/8377690/","projectTitle":"Bins, Bins, and More Bins!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8330426_orig.png?crop=718,718,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662930072594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-golwitzer"},{"teacherId":2350493,"projectId":8676931,"letterContent":"Our students have been putting these new resources to work every single day! The cleaning supplies (Clorox wipes, sprays, and paper towels) have been especially important in keeping our classroom safe, healthy, and ready for learning. Students take pride in helping to wipe down tables and supplies at the end of the day, and it has created a sense of shared responsibility for our space. The bandages have come in handy for those everyday scrapes and paper cuts, giving students comfort and care right when they need it.\r\n\r\nThe ocean-themed decorations, like the scallop bulletin board border and jellyfish lanterns, have transformed our classroom into a calm, inviting space. The decorations tie perfectly into our \"under the sea\" calm-down corner, where students can go to reset and recharge when they're feeling overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the jellyfish lanterns and ocean border, their eyes lit up. Several students immediately commented that the classroom \"feels so peaceful\" and \"like being under the sea.\" They love having a special corner that feels different and safe, and it has already become a popular spot for students to use when they need a break.","fullyFundedDate":1724946780962,"projectUrl":"project/just-the-bare-necessities/8676931/","projectTitle":"Just the Bare Necessities!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lahti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2350493_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449169253479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lahti"},{"teacherId":231225,"projectId":9536847,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support to our counseling office. Because of your contributions, students now have a more calm and welcoming space where they can find comfort, practice self-regulation, and use tools that help them make positive choices. This space is giving them the opportunity to pause, regroup, and return to class ready to learn. It has become a safe place where they feel cared for, and it is already making a difference in how they handle challenges throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is also helping students through the professional development books that were included. These resources allow me to continue learning the best strategies to support their unique needs and ensure they receive interventions that truly work for them. Every day, your gift is helping students build stronger skills, develop confidence, and experience school as a place where they are understood and supported.","fullyFundedDate":1754686382006,"projectUrl":"project/read-feel-grow-sel-through-stories-p/9536847/","projectTitle":"Read, Feel, Grow: SEL Through Stories, Play & Comfort","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/231225"},{"teacherId":8330426,"projectId":8157081,"letterContent":"The books in this collection were absolutely a hit with my students. It is extremely satisfying as a teacher to see kids have a plethora of books to choose from. Kids want choice, and they want time to read, and with a collection like this, I'm able to give them both. Not to mention, the books in this collection absolutely reflect their lives - with the characters inhabiting situations they can relate to, having problems similar to their own, and presenting solutions that maybe help them find similar solutions in their own lives. Again, I couldn't present these kinds of books without your generosity, so thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1706214348147,"projectUrl":"project/books-of-black-joy/8157081/","projectTitle":"Books of Black Joy","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8330426_orig.png?crop=718,718,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662930072594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-golwitzer"},{"teacherId":8011397,"projectId":9317187,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts of snacks, pencils, and folders! We were so excited to receive them and couldn't believe how lucky we were. The new pencils are already helping us do our best work, while the folders are perfect for keeping the students papers neat and organized. Students having their our own supplies makes them feel more prepared and confident in class, and it's made learning even more enjoyable.\r\n\r\nThe snacks were such a a great reward too! They gave the students a little boost during the day and helped them stay focused and energized. We're so grateful that you took the time to support our classroom. Your kindness and generosity mean a lot to us, and we promise to make the most of the awesome supplies you gave us!","fullyFundedDate":1746699605142,"projectUrl":"project/end-of-year-supplies/9317187/","projectTitle":"End of Year Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Grant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8011397"},{"teacherId":8011397,"projectId":9317143,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the amazing gifts of the gift card, classroom decor, and paper bins! We were so excited when our teacher showed us the new decorations — they made our classroom feel brighter, more welcoming, and even more fun to learn in. The paper bins are super helpful for keeping our work organized, and now we all know exactly where to turn in our assignments or find what we need. It's made our classroom feel more put together and has helped everything run more smoothly.\r\n\r\nI also want to say a big thank you for the TPT gift card! I'm now able to get even more helpful material for the students, which make me feel so lucky and supported. Your generosity has truly made a difference in our classroom, and we are all so grateful for the thought and care you put into helping us. Thank you for making our learning environment even better!","fullyFundedDate":1746699710092,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-culture-and-organization/9317143/","projectTitle":"Classroom culture and organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Grant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8011397"},{"teacherId":2992890,"projectId":9420009,"letterContent":"My students have been so excited about the materials from this grant. When I got the boxes, I opened them up and showed the students all the different materials. They got really excited about the instant snow, unicorn keychains, and Harry Potter stickers. They were all talking about which ones they wanted to get first and have been very excited to get stamps during math work time. \r\n\r\nI put the materials in our Quest Prize cabinet for them to access. We have already have many students earn the prizes and they should last us for the rest of the year. Thank you again so much for your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1756783478219,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-for-hard-work/9420009/","projectTitle":"Rewards for Hard Work","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silverglat","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silverglat"},{"teacherId":8153813,"projectId":8494994,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible support, my classroom has become a more functional, fun, and inspiring space for my first-grade students! This project allowed me to put together a cart filled with a variety of hand-selected items—each chosen to help create a more organized and engaging environment. From student chair pockets and rocker chairs to headphones and bright educational posters, every piece has found a special purpose in our classroom. One unforgettable moment was when my students walked in and discovered the new rocker chairs—they raced to try them out and immediately started reading and sharing stories with one another. Their excitement was contagious!\r\n\r\nEach item on the cart is being used to enhance different parts of our daily routine. The chair pockets help keep students organized with easy access to books and supplies, while the headphones are used during independent learning stations for phonics games and read-along stories. The classroom posters are a cheerful visual support for early literacy and math skills, and the rocker chairs offer a calming and flexible seating option for students who need movement while they learn. These simple, yet powerful additions have helped me meet the diverse needs of my students more effectively, creating a classroom that is both structured and student-friendly.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're beginning a new unit on storytelling and community connections. Students will use the headphones to listen to audio stories, work in small groups using materials from their chair pockets, and present their own stories using visuals inspired by our classroom posters. Thank you for giving my students a classroom that not only supports learning but sparks joy, curiosity, and creativity every single day. Your generosity made this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1726512275575,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-wish-list-items/8494994/","projectTitle":"Classroom Wish List Items","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8153813_orig.jpg?crop=1967,1967,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658014543440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tjackson106"},{"teacherId":8153813,"projectId":7492663,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a warm, welcoming space where my first-grade students feel comfortable, engaged, and excited to learn. The moment they walked in and saw the new beanbag chairs, shelves, and whiteboards, their faces lit up with joy! They immediately rushed to the reading corner to explore the cozy new space, grabbing their favorite books and pretending to read to one another. The beanbag chairs offer a soft and inviting alternative to sitting on the hard floor, allowing students to relax and focus more fully on developing their reading skills. This comfort has already made a noticeable difference in their attention and enthusiasm during independent reading time.\r\n\r\nThe classroom furniture and flexible seating options have also made our learning centers more dynamic and student-friendly. Items like shelves, fidgets, and moveable whiteboards allow students to collaborate more easily during partner and group work. These tools support active learning by giving students the freedom to reconfigure the space to fit their needs, encouraging communication, creativity, and teamwork. One recent project involved students working in small groups to design posters about storybook characters—they used the new whiteboards for brainstorming, and easily shifted their desks to form mini workstations.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to play a key role in our daily learning routines. As we begin our upcoming unit on communities and neighborhoods, students will use their flexible seating areas for storytelling, project-based learning, and peer collaboration. Your generous contribution gave my students more than just materials—you gave them a space where they feel empowered, valued, and inspired to learn. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1697647721877,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-makeover/7492663/","projectTitle":"Classroom Makeover!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8153813_orig.jpg?crop=1967,1967,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658014543440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tjackson106"},{"teacherId":999639,"projectId":9052105,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my classroom has been completely transformed by the addition of hands-on STEM kits. These resources have sparked curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in ways I could only imagine before.\r\n\r\nStudents who once hesitated to participate are now confidently building circuits, coding mini-robots, and solving real-world engineering challenges. The kits have allowed us to turn abstract science concepts into tangible, exciting experiences—making learning both engaging and memorable.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your donation has shown my students that people believe in their potential. You didn't just fund materials—you fueled future inventors, scientists, and problem-solvers. Thank you for making an impact that will last far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1746470088151,"projectUrl":"project/project-based-learning-with-stem-kits/9052105/","projectTitle":"Project Based Learning with STEM Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Albritton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp999639_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483673088648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-schneidersclass"},{"teacherId":8153813,"projectId":6689301,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is thriving with the addition of new headphones and organized construction paper storage! The classroom headphones have made a world of difference during independent learning and literacy stations. My first graders now engage more confidently in phonics programs, reading games, and listening comprehension activities without distractions. One memorable moment was when a student who usually struggles with focus completed an entire digital storybook independently—smiling ear to ear with pride!\r\n\r\nThe construction paper storage has also been a game-changer. With materials now neatly sorted and easy to access, students are able to grab what they need for art projects, writing assignments, and class displays without interrupting the flow of learning. Our latest project—a \"Culture Collage\" where students illustrated their family traditions—was smoother and more creative because students could find the colors they needed quickly and easily.\r\n\r\nThese tools not only help create a more organized and focused environment, but they also build independence, confidence, and joy in learning. As we move into our next unit on community helpers, students will use their headphones for research videos and their construction paper for crafting community buildings. Thank you for helping create a classroom where young learners feel empowered, supported, and inspired every day!","fullyFundedDate":1661027273574,"projectUrl":"project/lets-hear-it/6689301/","projectTitle":"Let's Hear It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8153813_orig.jpg?crop=1967,1967,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658014543440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tjackson106"},{"teacherId":8153813,"projectId":6559197,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my first graders were able to begin their school year with a bright and joyful start! The colorful materials and décor you helped fund completely transformed our classroom into a warm, welcoming, and vibrant space. From cheerful bulletin boards to cozy reading corners with calming hues, every detail helped set the tone for a positive and engaging learning environment. The intentional use of reds, oranges, blues, and greens has truly made a difference—some areas help boost energy and creativity, while others give students a place to reset and focus. These elements are not just decorations; they are tools that support student behavior, focus, and emotional well-being.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first entered the room, their eyes lit up with amazement. Several of them gasped, saying things like, \"This is the best classroom ever!\" and \"It's so colorful and fun!\" One student immediately found a bright yellow floor cushion and said it made her feel happy and ready to learn. Another pointed to the calming corner and whispered, \"I can go there when I'm feeling sad.\" These sweet reactions reminded me how important it is to create an environment that supports both academic and emotional growth. Already, I've seen how this space encourages independence and a sense of belonging, especially for students with different learning needs.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, my students will use this vibrant space as the foundation for all of our upcoming projects—starting with our \"All About Me\" posters and class community-building activities. The calm corners and energizing workspaces are helping students choose how they learn best, whether independently or in groups. Because of your kindness, our classroom is more than a room—it's a place where young learners feel inspired, safe, and excited to grow. Thank you for helping us start our year in such a meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1660750387315,"projectUrl":"project/lets-brighten-up-our-classroom/6559197/","projectTitle":"Let's Brighten Up Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8153813_orig.jpg?crop=1967,1967,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658014543440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tjackson106"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5593","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":765,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":72,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.1,"schoolId":5593,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about National Teachers Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"National Teachers Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/national-teachers-academy/5593"}