{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Portage Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":645288,"projectId":9757506,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our Media Arts Makerspace! Because of your contribution, our K–6 students now have a dedicated environment where their digital creativity meets hands-on engineering.\r\n\r\nIn our Media Art room, we often talk about \"building worlds.\" Before your donation, students were often limited to what they could draw or find on a screen. Now, the classroom has been transformed into a hive of physical construction. Here is a glimpse of the impact your gift is making across our grade levels:\r\n\r\nEngineering & Architecture: \r\nOur younger students are using the new building materials to explore structural integrity, creating 3D models of cities that we later use as \"sets\" for our filming projects.\r\n\r\nTactile Animation: \r\nThe addition of specialized materials have allowed us to dive deep into Analog Animation. Students are currently busy constructing hand-drawn flip books and thaumatropes, learning the physics of persistence of vision before they ever move to a computer.\r\n\r\nProp & Set Design: \r\nOur aspiring filmmakers now have easy access to a wide variety of materials to build custom props for their green screen videos and sets for LEGO stop-motion animations.\r\n\r\nPhysical Computing: \r\nYour support has provided the tools for our older students to learn about basic circuits. They built their own custom game controllers out of cardboard and conductive materials to connect to our Makey Makeys, bridging the gap between hardware and software.\r\n\r\nA Makerspace in a Media Art room is a special thing. It teaches our students that they aren't just \"users\" of technology, but inventors and architects of it. By having these materials readily available, you have removed the barriers to their imagination.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful that you chose to invest in our students' curiosity and their future as creators. Thank you for making our school a place where kids can build, test, fail, and succeed every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1760357787604,"projectUrl":"project/steam-maker-space/9757506/","projectTitle":"STEAM Maker Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bancroft","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp645288_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y247&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759949269371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bbancroft"},{"teacherId":1997259,"projectId":9576204,"letterContent":"I cannot express in words how useful the cardboard cutting materials have been this semester. The students have so much autonomy with cutting shapes for their own projects. They are giddy getting to use a machine that is usually saved for adults only, however even kindergarteners are able to use this cardboard cutting machine. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your contribution. We also used the cardboard cutting machines to make over 20 props and parts for the set of the fall play, Alice @ Wonderland. As an art teacher, it was so helpful to have cardboard cutting machines to use for these props. \r\n\r\nThank you for your kindness and thoughtful contribution to my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757726206613,"projectUrl":"project/cardboard-creations/9576204/","projectTitle":"Cardboard Creations","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":4980587,"projectId":9555522,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and helping provide weekly Scholastic Magazines and monthly Scholastic Science Spin magazines for my students during the 2025–2026 school year. These engaging learning resources follow Illinois standards while connecting classroom instruction to real-world topics that truly bring learning to life for students.\r\n\r\nThrough these magazines, students will explore meaningful topics such as scientific investigations, interdependent relationships within ecosystems, and the impact humans have on our Earth. Teaching students about our environment is essential for our future, and these magazines help spark curiosity, discussion, and deeper understanding in a way that is both accessible and exciting.\r\n\r\nIn addition, these magazines strengthen the connection between school and home. Students will take them home to share with their families, creating new conversations and helping classroom learning feel relevant in their everyday lives. This extension of learning beyond the classroom makes a lasting impact on student engagement and understanding.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping make learning meaningful, relevant, and inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1757553267733,"projectUrl":"project/scholastic-news-for-kids/9555522/","projectTitle":"Scholastic News for Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4980587_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634293605138","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room226"},{"teacherId":4980587,"projectId":9751609,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom studios. Studios are small-group or independent learning stations that allow students to rotate through different activities during a learning block. Each studio focuses on a specific skill or subject and can be adjusted by level, giving students the opportunity to work at their own pace and build confidence in their learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students are actively engaged while working independently or collaboratively, and I am able to pull small groups for targeted instruction. This structure allows me to meet students exactly where they are and provide the support or challenge they need to grow.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps create a classroom environment where all students can stay engaged, feel successful, and receive individualized instruction. Thank you for helping make this meaningful learning experience possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1758837770719,"projectUrl":"project/brightmind-studios/9751609/","projectTitle":"BrightMind Studios","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4980587_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634293605138","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room226"},{"teacherId":4980587,"projectId":9553721,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project. Having access to a Calming Corner is a huge asset to any classroom, and being able to put one in place this school year will benefit my students in meaningful ways beyond academics. This space will allow them to dive deeply into social-emotional learning and develop important life skills they will carry with them.\r\n\r\nThe Calming Corner will be a designated, safe space where students can express their emotions, practice self-regulation, and return to learning with a calm mind and heart. By filling our Calm Down Corner with thoughtfully chosen books and materials, students will have the tools they need to calm themselves, reflect, and rejoin the class ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to manage their emotions. Thank you for making this possible for my classroom and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1757530205660,"projectUrl":"project/a-safe-and-calming-space/9553721/","projectTitle":"A Safe and Calming Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4980587_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634293605138","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room226"},{"teacherId":9926246,"projectId":9235289,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for the generous donation of a class set of One Well. This book will be a powerful tool in helping my students understand global water issues and inspire them to become informed, compassionate agents of positive change in their communities and beyond. \r\n\r\nIn a classroom where much of our learning happens on Chromebooks and through digital texts, having a physical book in students' hands is especially meaningful. Holding, sharing, and engaging with a real book creates a different kind of connection to the content—one that encourages focus, discussion, and a deeper sense of ownership over their learning. This gift not only enriches our curriculum but also gives students the joy and impact of learning through print in a digital world.\r\n\r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1753382799886,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-3rd-graders-be-agents-of-positiv/9235289/","projectTitle":"Help My 3rd Graders Be Agents of Positive Change!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926246"},{"teacherId":9926246,"projectId":9685920,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of Scholastic News magazines to our third-grade cclassroom! Scholastic magazines have had a meaningful impact on my third-grade students by helping them develop a love for reading while building important academic skills. The engaging articles, colorful visuals, and kid-friendly topics make learning feel fun and accessible, encouraging even reluctant readers to participate. Through these magazines, students strengthen their comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills while staying curious about the world around them. Most importantly, Scholastic magazines create a shared reading experience that sparks discussion, confidence, and excitement for learning in the classroom We truly appreciate your support and thoughtfulness!","fullyFundedDate":1757699773291,"projectUrl":"project/bring-the-world-into-my-classroom-with-s/9685920/","projectTitle":"Bring the World Into My Classroom With Scholastic News Magazines!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926246"},{"teacherId":9654143,"projectId":9496867,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of cleaning supplies to our classroom! Your kindness has provided more than just the materials we needed—it has given my students the opportunity to take real ownership of their learning environment.\r\n\r\nEach day, they take pride in keeping our classroom clean and organized. Through this, they're learning responsibility, teamwork, and the value of caring for a shared space. These lessons reach far beyond the classroom walls and help build a stronger sense of community among the students.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference. Because of you, our students are not only learning academics but also important life skills that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758222073381,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-cleaning-suppli/9496867/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students with Cleaning Supplies & Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654143"},{"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"}],"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"}