{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"National Teachers Academy","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8330426,"projectId":8634337,"letterContent":"All of the parts of this project have been so helpful to my classroom. I always appreciate the willingness of the donors in this community to contribute to projects like this. It's so important not only for students to have ample texts to read, but also to have space to do so. I have learned more and more that having a comfortable and safe classroom are more than essential for student success. Students have used these chairs, for instance over and over again, and the plants that I purchased as part of this project make for a much more comfortable classroom. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1723676045398,"projectUrl":"project/constructing-a-comfy-classroom/8634337/","projectTitle":"Constructing a Comfy Classroom","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":9841856,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of slime supplies for our classroom. Because of your support, our students were able to make slime together, and they had an absolute blast doing it. The excitement, laughter, and engagement during this activity made it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.\r\n\r\nAs students created their slime, they practiced following directions, taking turns, problem-solving, and working collaboratively with peers. The hands-on, sensory nature of the activity also supported focus and self-regulation, giving students a fun and productive outlet while reinforcing important skills in a low-pressure environment.","fullyFundedDate":1764598872716,"projectUrl":"project/slimy-science-super-scholars/9841856/","projectTitle":"Slimy Science & Super Scholars","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":2350493,"projectId":9778595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of board games for our Skill Builders class. Because of your support, our students now have access to engaging games like Battleship, Guess Who, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, Candy Land, Twister, and more. These games have quickly become an important part of our classroom routine and are already making a positive impact on our students.\r\n\r\nThrough play, students are practicing essential social skills such as turn-taking, communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and handling both winning and losing in healthy ways. The games provide structured opportunities for students to build patience, follow rules, manage emotions, and interact positively with peers in a fun and low-pressure environment. For many of our students, this kind of learning is especially powerful.","fullyFundedDate":1760705198801,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play-board-games-for-s/9778595/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play: Board Games for Skill Builders","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":999639,"projectId":9694071,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has transformed into a space where students not only learn, but also grow emotionally and feel truly safe. The new resources for our Growth Mindset lessons and our newly updated Calm Corner have made a bigger impact than I could have imagined — and I wanted to share a little glimpse into what that looks like.\r\n\r\nOne of our first projects using the new materials was a \"My Brain is a Muscle\" activity where students explored how challenges help them grow. We used read-alouds, visual tools, and new prompts that helped them reflect on how they handle frustration or failure. One student proudly shared, \"I used to think I was bad at math, but now I know I'm just learning and that's okay.\" That small shift in thinking? Huge.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the Calm Corner fully stocked and cozy, their faces lit up. It wasn't just a new bean bag or sensory tools — it was a message that said: \"You're allowed to feel your feelings, and here's a safe place to reset.\" One student told me, \"It's like a little peaceful island when my day feels stormy.\"\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on a \"Feelings & Fix-It Plans\" project where students identify emotions and choose strategies that work for them — using the very tools and visuals your support provided. Watching them take ownership of their emotions and communicate their needs has been incredible.\r\n\r\nYour donation wasn't just about materials — it helped create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, calm themselves when overwhelmed, and believe in their ability to grow. That kind of impact lasts far beyond the school year.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart (and from some very grateful young learners): thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1760828539981,"projectUrl":"project/safe-and-comfortable-classroom/9694071/","projectTitle":"Safe and Comfortable Classroom","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":5267863,"projectId":9519809,"letterContent":"I want to thank you for your contribution to funding my Donors Choose project. The use of a color printer is invaluable when working with improving children speech and language skills. Everything is better in color and the kids definitely believe that. \r\n\r\n I have been able to print out holiday bingo activities to build my students vocabulary articulation, and language skills. They loved playing these games. This one activity has allowed my students to learn, laugh, and follow directions. These are all wonderful things we want when learning new ideas and concepts. \r\n\r\nI'm excited to continue to use the materials that were donated and hope for continual learning with my amazing students.","fullyFundedDate":1763493206551,"projectUrl":"project/improving-speech-and-language-skills-wit/9519809/","projectTitle":"Improving Speech and Language Skills with Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mora","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5267863_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522298195724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5267863"},{"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"}],"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"}