{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Piccolo School of Excellence","outOfStateSupporters":39.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9202251,"projectId":9840444,"letterContent":"With the help of your donations, my class has been able to safely enjoy their brand new skateboards! They love having one of their own and being able to decorate them with stickers or drawings. It is truly so important to these children to be able to have this outlet, and it would not be possible without you. Personally, I love that they are able to express themselves in this \"dangerous\" way, but safely and with adults around them.\r\n\r\nGiven the number of federal authorities that have been circulating about the city of Chicago, many of my immigrant students have been unable to happily enjoy the fall and their third grade year. These small instances then, where we go outside and act as children, are so important.","fullyFundedDate":1760847068491,"projectUrl":"project/helmets-for-our-diy-sk8ing-club/9840444/","projectTitle":"Helmets for Our DIY Sk8ing Club!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9202251_orig.jpg?crop=1643,1643,x524,y352&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760664686239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9202251"},{"teacherId":5527462,"projectId":9370019,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity in funding our classroom project. Because of your support, our classroom now has a beautiful new bookshelf filled with books in both English and Spanish! The moment my students walked in and saw the shelves lined with colorful covers, their excitement was contagious. They immediately started exploring the new titles—some gravitating toward familiar characters, while others picked up books in Spanish that connected to their home language. One student proudly said, \"¡Mire, maestra, este libro está en español como en mi casa!\" That moment reminded me of how meaningful it is for children to see their language and culture represented in the classroom.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe bilingual books have truly transformed our reading time. Before this project, our classroom library was limited, and students often had to share or wait to explore books at their level. Now, every student has access to stories that capture their interests and reflect their identities. The mix of English and Spanish texts has also helped me support my bilingual learners in developing literacy skills in both languages. During our reading rotations, students eagerly choose books that match their comfort level or challenge them to try reading in their second language. The excitement of having new books has increased participation and helped even my most reluctant readers develop a love for reading.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe new bookshelf has also made our space feel warm and inviting. Having a designated area for our classroom library has helped create a calm, organized environment where students naturally gather to read, talk about stories, and recommend books to one another. It's amazing to see them treat the books with so much care and pride. The bookshelf itself has become a symbol of our classroom community—it's where curiosity grows and where students feel safe to explore new ideas.\r\n\r\nThese resources have supported my teaching in countless ways. I'm able to plan richer reading lessons that include cultural representation and choice, both of which are key for engagement. The variety of bilingual texts allows me to connect literacy instruction to students' lived experiences and help them make deeper connections. I've noticed that my students are not only reading more often but also discussing stories with more confidence. They're using new vocabulary, sharing reflections, and even creating their own mini book clubs. The joy these books bring has extended beyond reading time—it's improving their writing, comprehension, and confidence as thinkers and communicators.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided far more than just books and furniture—you've given my students the gift of access, representation, and pride in learning. For many of them, this is the first time they've had consistent access to books that reflect their language and culture. Thank you for believing in teachers, in bilingual education, and in the power of stories to build bridges between languages and hearts. You have made a lasting difference in our classroom, and we are endlessly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1748360113538,"projectUrl":"project/see-me-in-literacy/9370019/","projectTitle":"See Me in Literacy!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5527462_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543433488510","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5527462"},{"teacherId":5527462,"projectId":9284358,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support in funding our \"Ready, Set, Go!\" project. Thanks to your kindness, my students and I received brand-new classroom supplies—including colorful seat sacks—that have completely transformed our learning space. From the moment my students saw the bright, neatly organized seat sacks hanging from their chairs, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them immediately started putting their notebooks, pencils, and folders inside, proudly saying things like, \"Now I have my own spot for everything!\" It was a simple but powerful moment that showed how much pride and ownership these materials brought to their daily routines.\r\n\r\nThe seat sacks have made an incredible difference in how smoothly our classroom runs. As a special-education teacher, organization and accessibility are key to helping my students stay focused and independent. Before, materials would often get lost or misplaced, and valuable learning time was spent searching for supplies. Now, every student has a personal space that helps them take responsibility for their items and stay ready to learn. It has truly improved transitions between activities and reduced distractions. The sense of order has given my students confidence—they know exactly where to find what they need, and they feel proud to have a classroom that looks and feels so professional.","fullyFundedDate":1747700396718,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-go/9284358/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Go!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5527462_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543433488510","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5527462"},{"teacherId":9362870,"projectId":9418514,"letterContent":"My students love having their new balance cushions! They use them to sit on as we watch videos or as they watch each other perform. They also like to do balance challenges on them and see how long they can stand, do planks, or stay in boat pose. Some students also use them on their heads to see if they are able to keep them on while doing movements that call for their heads to stay in place. They also use them as props in their dances. \r\n\r\nYounger students enjoy walking along their balance beam as part of our across the floor obstacle course. The muscle poster and coloring book allows students to get a behind the scenes look at what is happening when they do different movements. While my class requires movement many students have also benefitted from having the yoga cards in thr calm corner when they need help refocusing and some have used them to help warm up as well. \r\n\r\nThe arts and self expression are so important and I am grateful that you have helped to enrich that experience for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1751001754599,"projectUrl":"project/balanced-dancers-balanced-life/9418514/","projectTitle":"Balanced Dancers, Balanced Life","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Blair","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9362870_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751432841230","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9362870"},{"teacherId":6802659,"projectId":9172925,"letterContent":"On behalf of my entire class of curious preschoolers, I want to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for your incredible generosity. Walking into our classroom now feels like entering a world of endless possibility, and it is all because of you. Your belief in our project has filled our shelves with beautiful, purposeful materials that invite our students to touch, explore, and learn with their whole bodies. You have truly given them the tools to build a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning, and we are so grateful for this amazing gift.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these materials is already profoundly clear in our daily activities. With classic Montessori tools like the Pink Tower and Red Rods, my students are physically grasping abstract concepts of size and length, setting the stage for future mathematical understanding. The beautiful botany and animal puzzles are helping small hands develop fine motor skills and concentration, all while teaching the names of plants and animals. Through engaging items like the Life Cycle Kit and the fascinating 3D Organ Apron, my students are learning about science in a hands-on way that is simply not possible with books alone, sparking a genuine sense of wonder about the world around them.\r\n\r\nUltimately, your donation is so much more than just a collection of educational toys; it is an investment in my students' confidence and independence. As they master the Screwdriver Board or practice with the Teeth Brushing Model, they are not just playing—they are developing critical thinking skills, patience, and a powerful sense of accomplishment. You have equipped our classroom with the resources needed to nurture curiosity and empower each child to learn at their own pace. Thank you for providing these invaluable experiences and for making such a lasting difference in the lives of our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1749495108011,"projectUrl":"project/seeds-of-knowledge-empowering-young-lea/9172925/","projectTitle":"Seeds of Knowledge: Empowering Young Learners Through Montessori","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6802659"},{"teacherId":9800259,"projectId":8870584,"letterContent":"I am writing on Wednesday, January 22nd, to report the exciting unveiling of the Executive Functioning \"Ketchup\" folders! My colleagues in Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 will meet after school from 4:00 to 5:00 PM to discuss ways in which we can help our students who need additional support. Back in October, we met for the first time to tackle the problem of \"Access\" for students. The question we posed is, \"How do we make learning accessible to students who are chronically absent due to reasons beyond their control?\" For example, illness, family emergencies, etc. Our answer to that question was to create a tangible visual aid that would store assignments that could be completed with minimal assistance upon the student's return to school. These bright red folders with a catchy title, \"Ketchup Folders,\" would welcome the student back from their extended absence with a warm message. The folders would be made of very sturdy plastic and have clear covers on the front and back with directions (in English and Spanish) on what to do with their contents. \r\n\r\nToday, the teachers received a set of folders for their class! I cannot tell you how appreciative they were of your gift. The folders are just one step in creating independent learners in our classes!","fullyFundedDate":1733583838417,"projectUrl":"project/executive-functioning-ketchup-folders/8870584/","projectTitle":"Executive Functioning “Ketchup” Folders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mendez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9800259_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y144&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728595439111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800259"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5546","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":632,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":31,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":67,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.2,"schoolId":5546,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Piccolo School of Excellence on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Piccolo School of Excellence","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/piccolo-specialty-school/5546"}