{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Portage Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5094591,"projectId":9527691,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously contributed to our fundraiser for new wobble chairs. Because of your kindness and support, our kindergarten classroom is now equipped with flexible seating options that truly make a difference in how young children learn.\r\n\r\nWobble chairs offer our students the freedom to move, wiggle, and stay engaged while working—something especially important for early learners who thrive when they can channel their natural energy in positive ways. These chairs help improve focus, build core strength, and create a learning environment where every child can feel comfortable and supported.\r\n\r\nYour donations have not only provided us with new furniture; they have helped create a more inclusive and dynamic classroom where students can explore, create, and grow with confidence. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for believing in the importance of high-quality learning experiences for our youngest learners.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible. Our students—and our entire classroom community—benefit from your thoughtfulness and support every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758809149073,"projectUrl":"project/wobble-chairs-for-wiggly-learners/9527691/","projectTitle":"Wobble Chairs for Wiggly Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holzman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5094591_orig.jpg?crop=1906,1906,x0,y109&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668998493046","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-siebert"},{"teacherId":11670,"projectId":9703557,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our project, \"STEM for Justice: Designing a Safe and Inclusive School.\" Your donation brought a meaningful and engaging STEM experience to our classroom, and I am grateful for the impact you have made on my students.\r\n\r\nWith the materials you provided, students worked as architects, engineers, and change-makers to design a school that is safe, welcoming, and accessible for every student. They used the STEM tools to build ramps, create sensory spaces, design outdoor learning areas, and imagine classrooms that reflect fairness and inclusion. One of the most powerful moments was watching a group collaborate to design a \"Calm Corner\" with lights and textures so students who feel overwhelmed could take a break. Their conversations showed an impressive level of empathy and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new STEM supplies, their faces absolutely lit up. They were excited not only because the materials were fun, but because they realized they had been given the tools to create solutions that matter.They immediately began sketching ideas, testing materials, and stretching their imaginations.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just support one project—it opened a door for ongoing learning. Our next steps include taking the models they created and writing proposals explaining why their inclusive design choices matter. Students will think about real-world change and how their ideas could improve our own school community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom, supporting STEM education, and giving my students the chance to see themselves as innovators and advocates for justice. You made this experience possible, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757901325859,"projectUrl":"project/stem-for-justice-designing-a-safe-and-i/9703557/","projectTitle":"STEM for Justice: Designing a Safe and Inclusive School","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":56446,"projectId":9286024,"letterContent":"We are having a great time using our new materials! The first props we unveiled were the bean bags and the bright colored scarves. My youngest dancers were thrilled to dance with them! We used the bean bags to practice balance. We used the scarves to do a fall leaves dance.\r\n\r\nAfter our winter concert is over, I have a variety of strength exercises that my middle school students will do with the yoga blocks. I am excited to incorporate these into our technique classes because the activities will feel like a game but will help my students build strength. I showed them the yoga blocks and hinted at our new exercises and they are very intrigued!\r\n\r\nThis month our school is honoring Native American heritage month. I have been sharing resources with our staff, including a video of Hoop Dancing. Two teachers have borrowed my new hoops so that students can try some of the movements, so our new materials are being used beyond the walls of the dance studio.\r\n\r\nThanks so much for your generosity! These materials will be used in my curriculum for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755700729913,"projectUrl":"project/working-together-in-dance/9286024/","projectTitle":"Working Together in Dance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spears","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp56446_orig.png?crop=295,295,x0,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720202077856","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-spears"},{"teacherId":11670,"projectId":9690623,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project \"Floating Trains and Flying Magnets: STEM Science for 3rd Grade!\" The excitement in our classroom has been magnetic—literally!\r\n\r\nWhen the new STEM materials arrived, my students could hardly contain their curiosity. Their eyes lit up as they explored the floating train models and magnets for the first time. Moments like that remind me how powerful hands-on learning can be.\r\n\r\nWe've been using these materials to explore the concepts of force, motion, and magnetism. Students have been experimenting with how magnets attract and repel, then applying that understanding to design their own mini maglev train systems. Each group is testing how to make their trains go faster or smoother, learning to think like engineers—planning, testing, and improving their designs.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be expanding our study into real-world applications of magnetic levitation and renewable energy. The students are even brainstorming ways to present what they've learned through a mini \"STEM Expo,\" where they'll share their models and explain the science behind them. \r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have turned a spark of curiosity into a classroom full of future scientists and engineers. Thank you for believing in the power of learning and for helping my students see that science can truly make things float and fly!","fullyFundedDate":1757623006711,"projectUrl":"project/floating-trains-and-flying-magnets-stem/9690623/","projectTitle":"Floating Trains and Flying Magnets: STEM Science for 3rd Grade!","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":9267710,"projectId":9601283,"letterContent":"he easy-to-access printer in our classroom has been a surprisingly powerful tool for learning. While our donors are certainly aware of how technology is used for things like research and digital presentations, the printer bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds in a way that truly supports diverse learning styles:\r\n\r\nImmediate Feedback & Revision: Students can print drafts of essays or project outlines instantly. Seeing their work on paper often helps them spot errors or organizational issues they missed on the screen. This dramatically speeds up the revision cycle.\r\n\r\n\r\nDifferentiated Instruction: It allows me, as the teacher, to quickly customize and print worksheets, reading passages at different levels, or even large-print materials for students who need them, ensuring every student has the right materials at the moment they need to learn.\r\n\r\nWhile the printer is a great tool, the new labeled, organized bins are what the students are most excited about! It may sound simple, but the improved classroom organization is actually a crucial foundation for effective learning:\r\n\r\nIncreased Independence and Self-Management: The students love being able to find exactly what they need—whether it's the markers, the math manipulatives, or the charging cables—without waiting for me or another student to locate it. It gives them ownership over the classroom space.\r\n\r\nMaximizing Learning Time: We've virtually eliminated the \"downtime\" spent searching for supplies. When we transition between activities, students can grab what they need and get right to work, meaning they spend more time engaged with the material.\r\n\r\nCalm and Orderly Environment: For many students, a clear, orderly physical space helps create a clear, orderly mental space. The organization reduces background stress and allows them to focus better on the challenging academic work.","fullyFundedDate":1760722684068,"projectUrl":"project/a-fresh-start-for-little-learners/9601283/","projectTitle":"A Fresh Start for Little Learners","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":9721020,"letterContent":"The new light covers, books, and ink have made such a positive difference in our classroom! The light covers created a calm, welcoming space where students can focus and feel comfortable throughout the day. The new books sparked genuine excitement for reading—students love exploring new stories and sharing them with friends. Having ink available has allowed me to print individualized supports, visuals, and learning materials that meet each student's unique needs. These resources have helped every child feel more confident, engaged, and successful in their learning every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758818224077,"projectUrl":"project/printing-reading-and-lighting-the-way/9721020/","projectTitle":"Printing, Reading, and Lighting the Way!","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":11670,"projectId":9401982,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project: Identity & Dreams: Celebrating Diversity. Your generosity allowed my students to explore self-confidence, celebrate individuality, and learn how to embrace who they truly are. Every child deserves to see their own beauty and strength reflected in their classroom experiences, and because of you, my students had that opportunity.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and investment in our classroom community. You are helping us create a safe, supportive space where students can thrive—inside and out.","fullyFundedDate":1754245045066,"projectUrl":"project/identity-dreams-celebrating-diversity/9401982/","projectTitle":"Identity & Dreams: Celebrating Diversity","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":11670,"projectId":9556039,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through the Shake, Wiggle, and Learn project! Because of your generosity, our students now have access to a variety of movement-based materials that help keep their bodies active and their minds focused throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWe've started using the new resources during our daily brain breaks, and the difference has been incredible. Whether it's a quick dance session with movement cards, or a balance challenge on our vibrating plate. these moments of movement have brought energy, joy, and focus into our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for bringing more movement—and more smiles—into our classroom. Your generosity is making a real difference in how our students learn, grow, and thrive every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1755692286540,"projectUrl":"project/shake-wiggle-and-learn-movement-break/9556039/","projectTitle":"Shake, Wiggle, and Learn: Movement Breaks for Mighty Minds!","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":9926246,"projectId":9118447,"letterContent":"On behalf of my third grade students, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of a class set of Stella Díaz Has Something to Say. Your gift has already made a meaningful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nHaving a complete set of this wonderful novel allows every student to engage fully in our reading discussions, follow along with Stella's journey, and feel a true sense of community as we read together. Many of my students see themselves in Stella—whether it's finding their voice, adjusting to new experiences, or celebrating the unique parts of who they are. The story has opened up rich conversations about identity, friendship, and courage, and I've watched my students grow more confident as readers and as individuals.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have the opportunity to connect deeply with literature that is both engaging and inspiring. Thank you for investing in their love of reading and for helping them discover that, like Stella, they each have something important to say.","fullyFundedDate":1741385842120,"projectUrl":"project/novel-study/9118447/","projectTitle":"Novel Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926246"},{"teacherId":1997259,"projectId":9144291,"letterContent":"Students absolutely LOVED the insentive basket in our classroom. The basket helped my student teacher to learn how to utilize prizes as an incentive for good behavior and clean up procedures in the art room. The art room can become messy very fast, having incentives behind getting cleaned up at the end of class, makes the process less of a chore and more of a fun thing student look forward to. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your donation and help in making this classroom project a reality. I hope you continue to donate to teacher classroom projects because our students directly benefit from your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1742582481393,"projectUrl":"project/pbis-treasure-chest/9144291/","projectTitle":"PBIS Treasure Chest","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Whitman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1997259_orig.jpg?crop=716,716,x337,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673304185604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1997259"},{"teacherId":15210,"projectId":9171733,"letterContent":"Our creative crafters and architects were beyond thrilled when we unboxed our new tools. The new handheld cardboard saws and Chomp Saws have made our Friday Fun with STEAM so much more productive. The creations have grown and become more elaborate as a result of having access to these amazing cutting tools. Our students line up to take turns using the saws and have been able to take their ideas further than ever before. These tools have taught them patience and have enhanced their creativity.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation has given us the additional tools needed to allow our student's imaginations to run wild while reusing materials from our recycling. These tools have provided wonderful creative experiences as well as learning to reuse and repurpose items to help our environment. \r\n\r\nThank you for providing these tools so that this class and many classes to come can have these wonderful opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1747083980556,"projectUrl":"project/one-persons-trash-is-our-treasure/9171733/","projectTitle":"One Person's Trash Is Our Treasure!","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":9298062,"letterContent":"We cannot thank you enough for your extreme generosity in donating to our project. Our native pollinator garden is thriving as a result of your generosity. We were able to plant our second garden area and protect the new plantings with the incredibly sturdy fencing supplied by this project being funded. In the past, our plants have been damaged by animals and humans walking through our garden area, so we are thrilled to have the ability to outline our garden space with beautiful fencing. \r\n\r\nDuring the unboxing, the students were cheering as we opened every box to discover what was inside. They were so thankful that wonderful people like you support our passion project. \r\n\r\nThese materials have allowed our class to create a peaceful garden space for our students and neighbors to enjoy, complete with a Little Free Library. Our students took great pride in creating a space that is beneficial to the environment as well as inviting to others. We held classes outside in the area and made many observations of the growing plants. \r\n\r\nOver summer vacation, many students have been meeting me at the garden to help tend to the plantings. This will be their garden forever! Thank you for making this project possible.","fullyFundedDate":1747074086883,"projectUrl":"project/pollinating-to-protect-the-planet/9298062/","projectTitle":"Pollinating to Protect the Planet","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5346","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":889,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":69,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":61,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.4,"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"}