{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Portage Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9267710,"projectId":10231196,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom project! Because of your support, our kindergarten classroom now has the teacher essentials we needed to create a truly organized, focus-ready space.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, having the essential supplies to keep our lessons running smoothly allows me to focus on what matters most: teaching. You didn't just give us physical supplies; you helped build an environment where my students learn early independence and organizational skills that will serve them for years to come.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom community. Thank you for investing in my kindergarteners and helping us start the school year off strong!","fullyFundedDate":1778001365754,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-read-new-books-and-rewards/10231196/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Read: New Books and Rewards for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Prado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9267710_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694189617703","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-aprado"},{"teacherId":7076021,"projectId":9334092,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to our generous donors for providing our students with a comfortable Kids couch for our classroom calm corner. This special space provides students with a safe, welcoming place to take a break, calm their bodies, and reset when they feel overwhelmed.\r\nYour kindness has helped us create a more supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn. We truly appreciate your generosity and the positive impact you are making in the lives of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1747592834538,"projectUrl":"project/new-calm-corner/9334092/","projectTitle":"New Calm Corner!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Heim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7076021_orig.jpg?crop=1122,1122,x0,y501&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579497316311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7076021"},{"teacherId":7076021,"projectId":10188147,"letterContent":"The printer donated to our classroom has had a meaningful impact on our students and instruction. It allows us to quickly create individualized learning materials, practice activities, visual supports, assessments, and progress-monitoring resources based on each student's needs. Having a printer readily available also saves valuable instructional time and allows us to provide students with materials immediately during small-group and individualized instruction. Most importantly, this generous donation has helped us create a more engaging and supportive learning environment where students have the resources they need to practice skills, build confidence, and make meaningful academic progress. We are very grateful to our donors for helping make this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1776460674140,"projectUrl":"project/print-learn-succeed/10188147/","projectTitle":"Print, Learn, Succeed!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Heim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7076021_orig.jpg?crop=1122,1122,x0,y501&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579497316311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7076021"},{"teacherId":7076021,"projectId":10248497,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful difference for my students by providing engaging, hands-on resources that support their learning and build their confidence. Students are more excited to participate, stay focused, and take an active role in their learning. The materials have also allowed me to provide more individualized instruction based on each student's needs. Most importantly, my students are developing stronger academic skills and seeing themselves as capable, successful learners. I am truly grateful to the donors who made this possible and helped create a more supportive and engaging learning environment for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1778251105940,"projectUrl":"project/creating-books/10248497/","projectTitle":"Creating Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Heim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7076021_orig.jpg?crop=1122,1122,x0,y501&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579497316311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7076021"},{"teacherId":15210,"projectId":10213565,"letterContent":"We cannot thank you enough for your generous support of our project. Your donation created a ripple effect and will continue to support our environment for years to come. As you can see from the photos, the unboxing of the new materials was a huge hit. Our environmentally conscious students couldn't wait to get their hands on the new resources. \r\nWe are now able to teach other classrooms about the importance of keeping our community clean with hands on experiences, and host school-wide events that include entire families and neighbors. We will also be starting a Environmental Club for next school year where students will learn about keeping the Earth healthy and use the tools to participate in regular clean-up events. \r\nThank you for your kindness and support of our school.","fullyFundedDate":1779301410795,"projectUrl":"project/protecting-our-environment-community-cl/10213565/","projectTitle":"Protecting Our Environment: Community Clean-Up","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp15210_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746489619146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/15210"},{"teacherId":15210,"projectId":10006891,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to our project. We are so thankful for these resources to encourage STEAM exploration in our classroom. Independent play used to be a part of primary classrooms, and it does not exist anymore. STEAM time is a way to allow for academically focused independent creativity. Friday Fun with STEAM is a favorite time for every student and the teachers as well. While it can feel chaotic at times, this is a wonderful time to observe students learning and see their joy during the exploration and discovery.\r\n\r\nWhen we unboxed these materials, the students cheered loudly. They were so excited to have new tools to create with and couldn't wait for Friday to come. As you will see in the photos, the tools are being put to good use and enjoyed by everyone. These tools will continue to support the exploration and learning of students for many years to come. Thank you again for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1776006931406,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-steam-and-were-sticking-to-it/10006891/","projectTitle":"We Love STEAM and We're STICKING to it!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp15210_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746489619146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/15210"},{"teacherId":15210,"projectId":10006885,"letterContent":"We cannot thank you enough for your generosity and kindness. These amazing resources allowed us to learn while doing and help the environment in the process. Think back to when you were in grade school and someone said you could dig in the mud. If you can remember that feeling you will have a glimpse into the reaction of the 26 students in my classroom. \r\n\r\nIn preparation for the plant delivery, we prepared the bed and learned about soil composition and discovered that digging in our area can be difficult work. (Lots of clay in our soil) We learned about pollinators and the plants that support them in our area. We learned why we choose so many different heights and bloom times to support pollinators for the entire season. \r\n\r\nOn planting day we mapped out where we would place each plant, trying to create a balance in our garden. We began by digging in small groups, adding some soil enrichment and then placing our plug and watering it. The look of pride on each face was so wonderful to see. We check the garden often and each child likes to visit \"their\" plant to see how it is growing. We will continue to care for the garden for the remainder of the school year and will have garden stewards to help over the summer.","fullyFundedDate":1774644460139,"projectUrl":"project/native-plants-to-grow-our-pollinator-gar/10006885/","projectTitle":"Native Plants to Grow Our Pollinator Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp15210_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746489619146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/15210"},{"teacherId":9926246,"projectId":9970796,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my third-grade students now have access to the resources they need to become young scientists and enthusiastic readers.\r\nWith these books in their hands, every student has the opportunity to actively explore informational text about frogs and other fascinating creatures. Rather than sharing a single copy, students can now read independently, revisit important sections, take notes, and engage in meaningful discussions with their classmates. This access makes a tremendous difference in both their science and literacy learning.\r\nAs we study frog adaptations, habitats, and survival, students develop critical research skills, expand their academic vocabulary, and learn how to gather and organize information from nonfiction texts. They use their new knowledge to create informational reports, building confidence as writers while learning how to communicate scientific ideas clearly and effectively. I sent you an example of a student's report. I hope you enjoyed it!\r\nYour donation is doing far more than providing books—it is creating opportunities for curiosity, discovery, and deeper learning. You are helping students think critically, ask questions, and experience the excitement of becoming experts on a topic. The enthusiasm these books have already generated is inspiring, and I know the impact will continue throughout many school years to come.\r\nOn behalf of my 24 third graders and myself, thank you for investing in our classroom and in the future of our students. Your generosity is helping to foster a love of learning that will last well beyond this project.","fullyFundedDate":1772377489718,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-third-graders-hop-into-frog-rese/9970796/","projectTitle":"Help My Third Graders Hop Into Frog Research!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926246"},{"teacherId":11670,"projectId":10017828,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors: Books That Celebrate Every Child.\" Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students now have access to books where they can see themselves, learn about others, and explore new perspectives. These stories have sparked thoughtful conversations, increased engagement in reading, and helped students feel seen, valued, and connected.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support and the difference you've made for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1773844175369,"projectUrl":"project/windows-mirrors-and-sliding-doors-boo/10017828/","projectTitle":"Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors: Books That Celebrate Every Child","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Michael Pierson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp11670_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y1008&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715216714892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/11670"},{"teacherId":5631981,"projectId":9505771,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation and for supporting my class from the bottom of my heart. My students will continue to make strides academically and functionally due to your thoughtful and generous gift. They are a fantastic group of kind, loving, and passionate young learners who inspire me and bring me lots of joy. They are eager learners who persevere through challenges and are not afraid to take risks. I am incredibly proud of each of them. Your donation will give my students more opportunities to share and take turns using the new fun learning materials and games.\r\n\r\nMy students and I appreciate your monetary support, but most importantly, thank you for believing in us!","fullyFundedDate":1757509420400,"projectUrl":"project/from-imagination-to-mastery-learning-th/9505771/","projectTitle":"From Imagination to Mastery: Learning Through Creation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garduno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5631981_orig.jpg?crop=336,336,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778332028378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/r-mansour"},{"teacherId":5631981,"projectId":8288409,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation and for supporting my class from the bottom of my heart. My students will continue to make strides academically and functionally due to your thoughtful and generous gift. They are a fantastic group of kind, loving, and passionate young learners who inspire me and bring me lots of joy. They are eager learners who persevere through challenges and are not afraid to take risks. I am incredibly proud of each of them. Your donation will give my students more opportunities to share and take turns using the new fun learning materials and games.\r\n\r\nMy students and I appreciate your monetary support, but most importantly, thank you for believing in us!","fullyFundedDate":1711603915431,"projectUrl":"project/fun-learning-in-color/8288409/","projectTitle":"Fun Learning in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garduno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5631981_orig.jpg?crop=336,336,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778332028378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/r-mansour"},{"teacherId":5631981,"projectId":9968207,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation and for supporting my class from the bottom of my heart. My students will continue to make strides academically and functionally due to your thoughtful and generous gift. They are a fantastic group of kind, loving, and passionate young learners who inspire me and bring me lots of joy. They are eager learners who persevere through challenges and are not afraid to take risks. I am incredibly proud of each of them. Your donation will give my students more opportunities to share and take turns using the new fun learning materials and games.\r\n\r\nMy students and I appreciate your monetary support, but most importantly, thank you for believing in us!","fullyFundedDate":1772550503138,"projectUrl":"project/organized-spaces-connected-learning/9968207/","projectTitle":"Organized Spaces, Connected Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garduno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5631981_orig.jpg?crop=336,336,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778332028378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/r-mansour"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5346","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":927,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":67,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.8,"schoolId":5346,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Portage Park Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Portage Park Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/portage-park-elementary-school/5346"}