{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Neil Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":42.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8492436,"projectId":9677986,"letterContent":"Our tree study in Pre-K is an exciting and meaningful learning experience, and the resources we use are extremely helpful in supporting our understanding of trees. Young children learn best through hands-on exploration, visual materials, and repeated exposure to concepts. During this study, I use a variety of resources to help guide instruction and deepen student learning, and we rely on these tools daily to explore what trees are, how they grow, and why they are important.\r\n\r\nI use printed resources to introduce basic concepts about trees in a way that is developmentally appropriate for our students. We use picture cards, charts, and simple diagrams that show the parts of a tree, such as the roots, trunk, branches, and leaves. These visuals help students make connections between what they see in books and pictures and the real trees around them. I print labeling activities and matching worksheets that allow students to interact with the content while practicing fine motor skills. These resources help break down complex ideas into simple, understandable pieces.\r\n\r\nWe also use books and printed images as part of our daily discussions and read-alouds. During group time, I use tree-themed books and photographs to encourage observation and conversation. We talk about the different kinds of trees, the colors and shapes of leaves, and how trees change with the seasons. Having access to these resources allows us to revisit ideas often, which strengthens comprehension and builds vocabulary. Students begin using new words such as \"bark,\" \"branches,\" and \"roots\" as they talk about what they see.\r\n\r\nHands-on activities are an important part of our tree study, and the resources we use support these experiences. I print leaf rubbings templates, sorting mats, and observation sheets that we use during outdoor exploration. When we go outside, we collect leaves, small sticks, or acorns and bring them back to the classroom for closer examination. These materials help students compare, sort, and describe natural objects, encouraging curiosity and scientific thinking. The resources allow us to turn simple nature walks into meaningful learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nArt and creative resources also play a key role in helping students understand trees. I provide printed art templates and examples that students use to create tree paintings, collages, and seasonal crafts. Through these activities, we explore how trees look in different seasons and how they grow over time. We use these creative projects to reinforce learning while allowing students to express their ideas in their own way. These resources help make learning memorable and engaging.\r\n\r\nOverall, the resources used during our tree study are extremely helpful and greatly assist our understanding of trees. They support visual learning, hands-on exploration, and meaningful discussion. By using a variety of materials, we are able to explore trees in a way that is age-appropriate, engaging, and effective. These resources help our students build knowledge, develop vocabulary, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1758202966883,"projectUrl":"project/tree-study/9677986/","projectTitle":"Tree Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jhordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8492436_orig.png?crop=1035,1035,x71,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662048368190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8492436"},{"teacherId":8492436,"projectId":9513783,"letterContent":"A printer is an extremely helpful and valuable tool in our Pre-Kindergarten classroom because it supports our daily learning, organization, creativity, and communication. In Pre-K, children are developing important early academic and motor skills, and they learn best through hands-on activities and visual materials. I use the printer regularly to create resources that meet the needs of our students and help make learning engaging and meaningful.\r\n\r\nI use the printer to create age-appropriate learning materials that are colorful, simple, and easy for our students to understand. We print alphabet charts, number worksheets, shape activities, and tracing pages that support our current lessons. For example, when we focus on a letter of the week, I print tracing sheets, coloring pages, and matching activities that help children practice letter recognition and fine motor skills. These printed materials allow us to reinforce skills in a fun and structured way.\r\n\r\nThe printer also plays a big role in encouraging creativity in our classroom. I print templates and outlines for art projects, seasonal crafts, and themed activities. We use these materials for coloring, cutting, and decorating, which helps students build hand strength and coordination. I also print materials for dramatic play, such as pretend menus, signs, tickets, and play money. These activities support imagination, social skills, and cooperative play while keeping students excited about learning.\r\n\r\nIn addition to learning and creativity, I rely on the printer to help keep our classroom organized and consistent. I print labels for cubbies, supply bins, and learning centers so children can recognize words and become more independent. We also use printed visual schedules and classroom rules to help students understand routines and expectations. These visual supports help our students feel safe, confident, and prepared throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe printer is also an important tool for communication with families. I use it to print newsletters, calendars, progress updates, and take-home activities. We share these materials with families so they can stay informed and support learning at home. This strong connection between school and home benefits our students and helps create a supportive learning environment.\r\n\r\nOverall, I use the printer every day as an essential part of our Pre-K classroom. It allows us to be flexible, organized, and creative while meeting the individual needs of our students. By supporting instruction, classroom management, and family communication, the printer plays an important role in helping our classroom run smoothly and successfully.","fullyFundedDate":1756123903785,"projectUrl":"project/printing-with-a-purpose/9513783/","projectTitle":"Printing with a Purpose","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jhordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8492436_orig.png?crop=1035,1035,x71,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662048368190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8492436"},{"teacherId":10256093,"projectId":9707826,"letterContent":"We have integrated these hygiene products into our daily \"Healthy Habits\" routine. For our youngest learners, including our Pre-K students, we used the resources to launch a \"Self-Care Station\" in the classroom.\r\n\r\nA specific moment that stands out involved a young student who often felt self-conscious about how she smelled after recess, she was able to use the wipes and deodorant immediately after recess, I was able to show them how to use the \"Self-Care Station.\" The student's face lit up as they looked in the mirror, feeling refreshed and ready to learn. These items aren't just supplies; they are tools that teach our students autonomy and the importance of taking care of their bodies. \r\n\r\nThe reaction was one of pure excitement and curiosity! When the boxes arrived, it felt like a holiday in the classroom. The students were especially thrilled by the items tailored just for them—like the toothbrushes and feminine pads.\r\n\r\nNow that we have the physical resources, we are moving beyond just using the items but to also understanding the science behind hygiene.","fullyFundedDate":1760753617697,"projectUrl":"project/the-dignity-drive-restoring-confidence/9707826/","projectTitle":"The Dignity Drive: Restoring Confidence, One Student at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dameron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10256093"},{"teacherId":9649156,"projectId":9679621,"letterContent":"We would like to sincerely thank you for providing a printer for our Mathematics classroom. This resource has made lesson preparation easier and more efficient for teachers. Having access to printed worksheets, practice activities, and assessments allows lessons to run smoothly and helps ensure that students receive materials on time and in an organized manner.\r\n\r\nThe printer has had a positive impact on students' learning. Printed math materials allow students to write their work, draw models, and clearly show their thinking. This helps them better understand math concepts and feel more confident when solving problems. Teachers are also able to print different activities to support students who need extra help and to challenge those who are ready to learn more.\r\n\r\nOverall, the printer has become an important part of our Mathematics classroom. It supports learning, organization, and student engagement. We are truly grateful for this support and appreciate the positive difference it has made in our students' learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1760753617833,"projectUrl":"project/print-to-progress-enhancing-math-learni/9679621/","projectTitle":"Print to Progress: Enhancing Math Learning Through Accessible Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baratbate","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9649156"},{"teacherId":8182886,"projectId":8700644,"letterContent":"The calm corner classroom has been a crucial part of our classroom in special education. The students benefits from having a safe and calm space to stay in whenever they are overstimulated with the surroundings. \r\n\r\nWe are grateful to all the donors for allowing us to have this project funded. This made my classroom have a space where my students special needs are accommodated. This allows them to have more focus and be redirected back to classroom work and activities.\r\n\r\nThank you to donors choose for being an avenue for us to have all of this resources to ensure out students with special needs are all met for a successful classroom interaction.","fullyFundedDate":1734646217372,"projectUrl":"project/calm-corner-and-a-sensory-area-for-my-sp/8700644/","projectTitle":"Calm Corner and a Sensory Area For My Sped Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elesio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8182886_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y381&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642169135637","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8182886"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5383","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":248,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":95,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":"14.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.7,"schoolId":5383,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Neil Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Neil Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/neil-elementary-school/5383"}