{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ogden Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8008660,"projectId":9714656,"letterContent":"Our students truly use these tools every day and it has made a massive impact on our classroom community. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donation to our third-grade classroom. In my project request, I shared my genuine worry about students rocking back in their chairs and potentially hurting themselves. Thanks to the new wobble stools you funded, that fear has been replaced by relief. My \"wiggly\" learners now have a safe, productive way to move their bodies without disrupting their classmates or risking a fall.\r\n\r\nThanks to the noise cancelling headphones, students who might get overwhelmed by discussions or excited learning are able to focus on their own learning. They have become a sanctuary for students who get overwhelmed by the buzz of a busy classroom. During quizzes or tests, the noise cancelling headphones allow other students to test while I read the test aloud to a small group without distracting the rest of the class. With the help of the command hooks, students are able to keep track of the headphones, keep them organized, and easily grab them when they need to work independently or just need a moment of calm. \r\n\r\nThe stacking stools have also been a game changer. These chairs have allowed for more space in the classroom to sit and an alternative seating choice for my wiggly bodies. I have two students this year who greatly benefit from the wobbly chairs and it has allowed them to move their bodies without greatly impacting those around them. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are learning that their needs matter. The classroom feels calmer, safer, and more inclusive because of your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1758857219071,"projectUrl":"project/noise-cancelling-headphones-and-flexible/9714656/","projectTitle":"Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Flexible Seating for Calmer Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8008660_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631033775158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8008660"},{"teacherId":8008660,"projectId":9669821,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the multiplication and division flash cards. This year, many of our students needed extra support with math and this resource has provided accessibility to all of my students. Several students were motivated to master their multiplication facts in order to start working on their division skills. I've heard from several students who practice with their loved ones at home and I love that it's fostering a connection between our class and their families. As I listen to the fourth grade teachers discuss ways to better support their students, I'm convinced that our third graders are on the right track thanks to our emphasis on math facts. Thank you for supporting our learners!","fullyFundedDate":1757537950970,"projectUrl":"project/yes-you-can-take-the-multiplication-fla/9669821/","projectTitle":"Yes, You Can Take the Multiplication Flashcards Home!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8008660_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631033775158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8008660"},{"teacherId":1317924,"projectId":8592118,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me present this wonderful Timeline of Life to my students! They were memorized by the beautiful illustrations and interesting facts about the different Paleozoic eras, especially the Jurassic and Triassic periods. We completed about 6 different lessons using the timeline and students were allowed to use it independently (and carefully!) in order to do some follow up work and research. \r\n\r\nMany of my students commented that the Timeline of Life is one of their favorite parts of the classroom. It has helped foster curiosity and interest in the history of life on Earth. I really appreciate the impact you have had on my students!","fullyFundedDate":1723680007378,"projectUrl":"project/trilobits-mammoths-and-dinosoh-my/8592118/","projectTitle":"Trilobits, Mammoths and Dinos...Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zablocki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1317924_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y65&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595962121896","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dzablocki"},{"teacherId":8008660,"projectId":8678687,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library has transformed into a space where reading is a passion. These new books opened doors for my students to connect with inspiring figures and build real reading skills in the process. From the start of the year, we used the Zoey and Sassafras series in small groups to launch our reading routines. These high-interest, lower-level chapter books helped students feel confident while tackling complex tasks like citing text evidence, making predictions, and engaging in peer-led discussions.\r\n\r\nLater in the year, we moved our book clubs outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Students secretly voted on their top book choices, then formed groups on our rooftop to dive into their picks. They reviewed and rated each book, discussing their thoughts like true literary critics. Watching them lead these conversations- laughing, debating, even defending their favorite characters- was one of the best parts of my year.\r\n\r\nOne unforgettable impact came from the Rebel Girls chapter books. Several students loved them so much they asked to stay after school just to read. While I graded papers, they curled up on the library carpet with a book in hand and stayed completely engrossed. Others begged to borrow them overnight, always returning the next day ready to talk about what they had read. We had already studied inspiring women like Wangari Maathai and Madam C.J. Walker through picture books and documentaries, but when I asked which format they preferred, students didn't hesitate: \"The chapter books are better.\" Your donation didn't just give us more books- it helped create readers who truly love reading.","fullyFundedDate":1726687319745,"projectUrl":"project/breaking-barriers-with-3rd-grade-book-cl/8678687/","projectTitle":"Breaking Barriers with 3rd Grade Book Clubs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8008660_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631033775158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8008660"},{"teacherId":8008660,"projectId":9124184,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students became scientists, advocates, authors, and reporters this year. Our classroom transformed into a climate lab, a newsroom, a poster workshop, and even a volcano testing site. You sparked curiosity and joy.\r\n\r\nWe began by getting hands-on with weather tools. Students shook the barometer, squinted at its labels, and guessed it measured temperature. They flicked the weather vane, spun the anemometer, and stuck their heads through the wind sock. The giant thermometer was a hit- they eagerly recorded the classroom temperature. When they examined the rain gauge, many noticed the beaker but weren't sure what it was for. Most had never seen these tools before. Their surprise and curiosity were real. We carried the instruments up to the school's rooftop to observe the weather around us. Then, students used a cloud chart to identify the types of clouds overhead- a perfect connection to our earlier study of the atmosphere's layers.\r\n\r\nNext, we studied global climates: tropical, temperate, polar, desert, and continental. In teams, students researched and proudly presented their findings to another third grade class through skits, songs, and handmade items.These performances gave students a reason to speak up, collaborate, and have fun.\r\n\r\nWe dove deeper into climate change with The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge, which helped students understand global warming and their role in protecting the Earth. Inspired by Posters for the Planet, students created powerful advocacy posters filled with bold ideas and color. Then, we read Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, a moving story about youth activism. It helped students realize that kids just like them can be powerful.\r\n\r\nOur classroom library became a hotspot. I Survived books flew off the shelf, especially I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii and I Survived Hurricane Katrina. Students asked to take them home. They returned the next day ready for the next one. That excitement about reading? It's priceless.\r\n\r\nTo support writing, we read The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes. This launched our fractured fairy tale unit. Students wrote imaginative versions of their own and shared them aloud. Then, of course had to conduct a real volcanic eruption in class. \r\n\r\nWhen it came time for students to present their own severe weather research, they were ready. They became news anchors- writing scripts, creating slideshows, and presenting \"live\" in front of their classmates. Most chose to wear rainbow umbrella hats during their broadcast. It was hilarious, unforgettable, and inspiring to see their creativity live in action.\r\n\r\nThe tools you funded- our globe, wind vane, Galileo thermometer, and weather posters- were used again and again. Students constantly returned to them to find answers, build knowledge, or fuel their next idea. Thanks to the giant map and globe, free time often turned into a geography challenge. Students became hooked on a game called Globle, where they had to deduce the name of a mystery country using clues and teamwork. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, science wasn't just science. You helped bring the world into our classroom and gave students the tools to explore it. Thank you for believing in them.","fullyFundedDate":1744238212817,"projectUrl":"project/forecasting-a-greener-future-young-mind/9124184/","projectTitle":"Forecasting a Greener Future: Young Minds on the Frontlines","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8008660_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631033775158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8008660"},{"teacherId":8008660,"projectId":8507350,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space of exploration. Students are asking big questions and tackling challenges with confidence. These resources have turned abstract concepts into real, tangible experiences, making learning more meaningful.\r\n\r\nBecoming Meteorologists & Disaster Experts\r\nAs we enter Quarter 4, we're diving into natural disasters and severe weather. Students will step into the role of meteorologists, researching survival strategies for a natural disaster of their choice. Our volcano model will be a class favorite as we explore the eruption of Pompeii using Google Arts & Culture. Students will read first hand, eye witness accounts in order to better understand the perspectives of others. I can't wait to see their curiosity ignite as they uncover the science behind various weather events!\r\n\r\nDuring Quarter 3, students studied clouds, creating cotton ball models and conducting liquid experiments to demonstrate precipitation and condensation. When exploring the layers of the atmosphere, they conducted a density experiment, used NASA resources, and sorted objects into the correct atmospheric layers through collaborative research. The Science Comics: Wild Weather book was a class favorite; these third graders adore graphic novels. \r\n\r\nMath in Action: Dream Theme Parks\r\nMath has come alive in our classroom! Students just wrapped up an area and perimeter unit by designing their own theme parks. With tiles, rulers, and grid paper, they carefully measured and calculated the area and perimeter of each section. Thanks to the rulers, their final drafts showed precision and creativity! These skills were also reinforced in small groups and free after-school math tutoring.\r\n\r\nTime was a focus during Quarter 2, and learning to read clocks became an adventure! Using wipe-off clocks and math bingo games, students mastered time-telling in a fun and interactive way. Multiplication cards became part of our daily routine, used in warm-ups, small group work, and even as \"passwords\" to enter class. Hands-on materials like pentominoes, plastic square tiles, and our area/perimeter kit helped students visualize complex math concepts.\r\n\r\nCelebrating Black Innovators & Inspiring Future Creators\r\nDuring Black History Month, students explored the impact of Black inventors through engaging magazines and discussion protocols. They read about Garrett Morgan and participated in a \"tea party\" discussion to dive deeper into his inventions. But they didn't stop there. After reading about over ten different inventors, including Lonnie Johnson and Tahira Reid Smith, students designed and created their own inventions. The creativity was incredible- each invention was unique, reflecting the problems they wanted to solve in their own lives.\r\n\r\nMore Than Just Learning\r\nThese materials have enriched our classroom beyond lessons. Indoor recess is no longer just a break- it's a time for strategic thinking with Gravity Maze, wooden puzzles, and math-based games. Magnets have made science more interactive, and our economics unit came to life with bartering, trading, and the \"Buy It Right\" math program. Even something as simple as multiplication flashcards has helped students build confidence in math.\r\n\r\nMy students are thinking like scientists, solving problems like engineers, and creating like inventors. These experiences are shaping the way they see the world- and it's all because of you. Thank you for bringing hands-on learning to life in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1731525537786,"projectUrl":"project/third-grade-thrills-stem-adventures-aw/8507350/","projectTitle":"Third Grade Thrills: STEM Adventures Await!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8008660_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631033775158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8008660"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5263","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":500,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":53,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":43,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.5,"schoolId":5263,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ogden Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ogden Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/ogden-int-l-school-of-chicago/5263"}