{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ruiz Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8627765,"projectId":9407274,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! The materials you provided — including Crayola Model Magic, Play-Doh, pencil pouches, sensory tiles, a calming bulletin board roll, and magnetic fidget balls — have brought so much joy and learning to our students.\r\nOur students especially love using Play-Doh on Fun Fridays, turning creative play into a favorite classroom tradition. The textured sensory tiles and magnetic fidget balls are also a hit, giving students a fun way to explore textures while serving as quiet fidgets that help them stay focused during lessons. These hands-on materials have made a big difference in both engagement and emotional regulation.\r\nYour support has helped us create a creative, inclusive, and calming environment where students can thrive, express themselves, and stay engaged. Thank you for making our classroom a place full of joy, focus, and learning!","fullyFundedDate":1758056236950,"projectUrl":"project/creating-calming-and-organizing-in-4th/9407274/","projectTitle":"Creating, Calming, and Organizing in 4th Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627765_orig.jpg?crop=554,554,x725,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660950539293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8627765"},{"teacherId":8627765,"projectId":9470066,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! The new materials — from multiplication pop-it charts and pixel art challenges to clay tools, Play-Doh, and erasable pens — have made learning more interactive, creative, and engaging for every student.\r\nThese resources have helped students strengthen their math and fine motor skills while having fun. The multiplication fidget charts have been especially popular, turning practice into play and helping students build confidence in math. The art supplies and laminating pouches have allowed us to create colorful, reusable materials that bring lessons to life.","fullyFundedDate":1757545811477,"projectUrl":"project/fantastic-fourth-graders/9470066/","projectTitle":"Fantastic Fourth Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627765_orig.jpg?crop=554,554,x725,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660950539293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8627765"},{"teacherId":8627765,"projectId":9565682,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! The art trays, tempera paint sticks, and sensory fidget tools you provided have brought creativity, calm, and focus to our students' learning environment.\r\nThe paint trays and vibrant tempera sticks have made art projects more organized and accessible for all learners, encouraging students to express themselves without the usual mess or stress. The sensory tubes and fidget toppers have also been a huge success — helping students manage their energy, relieve anxiety, and stay engaged throughout the day.\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom has become a space where students can explore, create, and learn in ways that meet their individual needs. Thank you for giving our learners the tools to focus, express themselves, and shine!","fullyFundedDate":1762266395704,"projectUrl":"project/fantastic-fourth-graders-part-2/9565682/","projectTitle":"Fantastic Fourth Graders! (Part 2)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627765_orig.jpg?crop=554,554,x725,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660950539293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8627765"},{"teacherId":8627765,"projectId":9628643,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of new books for our classroom! Our students are thrilled to explore these engaging stories — from Dog Man adventures to I Survived graphic novels and inspiring titles by underrepresented authors like American Born Chinese, Mexikid, Frizzy, and When Stars Are Scattered. When I opened the Dog Man books, one student was excited to start reading them. \r\nThese books have sparked excitement, curiosity, and meaningful conversations about resilience, identity, and imagination. You've helped us build a love of reading that reaches every kind of learner.","fullyFundedDate":1762266366143,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fun-part-7/9628643/","projectTitle":"Reading is Fun! (Part 7)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627765_orig.jpg?crop=554,554,x725,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660950539293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8627765"},{"teacherId":8627765,"projectId":9628576,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! The sensory and fidget tools you helped provide have already made a big difference for our students. Each of these items — from the Dodecagon Fidget Cubes and textured suction toys to the kinetic sand and sensory rings — gives students meaningful ways to manage their focus, calm their minds, and engage more fully in learning.\r\nThese materials have created a more inclusive and supportive environment for all learners, especially those who benefit from movement or sensory input to stay centered and ready to learn. During group work, reading time, or independent study, students now have access to tools that help them regulate their emotions and reduce stress.\r\n\r\nIt's been wonderful to see their faces light up as they explore the different textures and features of each fidget toy. Many students have already shared how much they enjoy using the kinetic sand to relax or the sensory rings to stay focused during lessons. The laughter, focus, and calm energy these tools bring to our classroom are truly priceless.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have provided not just supplies, but comfort, confidence, and joy to my students. Thank you for believing in the importance of social-emotional learning and supporting our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1758221839601,"projectUrl":"project/fantastic-fourth-graders-part-4/9628576/","projectTitle":"Fantastic Fourth Graders (Part 4)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627765_orig.jpg?crop=554,554,x725,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660950539293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8627765"},{"teacherId":8627765,"projectId":9407278,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! This project was a wonderful addition to our end-of-unit work in both science and reading. In both subjects, we explored energy, energy sources, and electrical systems, and the STEM kits brought those concepts to life in such a fun, hands-on way.\r\nThe students were so excited when they first saw the kits and couldn't wait to start building. As they worked together to create the different models, our classroom was filled with curiosity, teamwork, laughter, and genuine joy. It was amazing to hear their conversations and see their ideas come to life.\r\nYour donation made this engaging and memorable learning experience possible. Thank you for inspiring our young scientists and engineers!","fullyFundedDate":1757877617491,"projectUrl":"project/stem-creativity-classroom-tools-for-a/9407278/","projectTitle":"STEM, Creativity & Classroom Tools for a Bright Year Ahead","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627765_orig.jpg?crop=554,554,x725,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660950539293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8627765"},{"teacherId":3225982,"projectId":9232690,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation to our classroom! These books have been such an excellent addition to our classroom library. They are so popular that I cannot keep them on the shelves, and students eagerly wait for their classmates to finish the next book in the series.\r\n\r\nWhile it previously felt like a struggle to get some of my students to read, now, nearly every student in my class is found reading whenever they get a chance. When students finish their work before others, they take out their books and read. When students need to take a short break from instruction, they take out their books and read. When students go home at the end of the day, they take out their books and read. These books have made such a positive change in our classroom, and it would not have happened without your help.","fullyFundedDate":1744239003553,"projectUrl":"project/begging-for-books-part-22-reading-bu/9232690/","projectTitle":"Begging for Books (Part 22) + Reading Buddies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3225982_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x103,y139&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690413690171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dkamerling"},{"teacherId":3225982,"projectId":9232398,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation to our classroom! These books have been such an excellent addition to our classroom library. They are so popular that I cannot keep them on the shelves, and students eagerly wait for their classmates to finish the next book in the series.\r\n\r\nWhile it previously felt like a struggle to get some of my students to read, now, nearly every student in my class is found reading whenever they get a chance. When students finish their work before others, they take out their books and read. When students need to take a short break from instruction, they take out their books and read. When students go home at the end of the day, they take out their books and read. These books have made such a positive change in our classroom, and it would not have happened without your help.","fullyFundedDate":1744221689780,"projectUrl":"project/begging-for-books-part-20/9232398/","projectTitle":"Begging for Books (Part 20)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3225982_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x103,y139&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690413690171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dkamerling"},{"teacherId":3225982,"projectId":9232756,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation to our classroom! These books have been such an excellent addition to our classroom library. They are so popular that I cannot keep them on the shelves, and students eagerly wait for their classmates to finish the next book in the series.\r\n\r\nWhile it previously felt like a struggle to get some of my students to read, now, nearly every student in my class is found reading whenever they get a chance. When students finish their work before others, they take out their books and read. When students need to take a short break from instruction, they take out their books and read. When students go home at the end of the day, they take out their books and read. These books have made such a positive change in our classroom, and it would not have happened without your help.\r\n\r\nThe Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game was also a big hit!","fullyFundedDate":1744221689160,"projectUrl":"project/begging-for-books-part-22-a-game/9232756/","projectTitle":"Begging for Books (Part 22) + a Game","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3225982_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x103,y139&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690413690171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dkamerling"},{"teacherId":3772722,"projectId":8974657,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous support — because of you, our classroom has become a more focused, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for every student.\r\n\r\nWhen the wobble seats, sensory bands, fidgets, and the amazing pea pod arrived, my students were beyond excited. Several students immediately gravitated toward the wobble seats during reading time, saying, \"This helps me think better!\" The pea pod has quickly become a safe, calming space for students who need a quick sensory break, helping them reset and return to learning ready to engage. One student even called it their \"thinking pod\" — and it's used every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1733282494247,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-seating/8974657/","projectTitle":"Sensory Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zaragoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3772722_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517866173552","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3772722"},{"teacherId":2215817,"projectId":9452752,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to important resources that help meet their everyday needs and support their learning in meaningful ways. This project included basic classroom supplies, snacks for hungry bellies, fidgets and sensory tools for emotional regulation, cleaning materials, and coverings to help reduce visual distractions in our space. Your donation helps ensure that our room is not just a place for learning; it's a safe, welcoming space where they feel cared for and supported.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you helped provide are already filling a major need. Too often, students arrive without anything to eat, and now they have access to our classroom snack bin whenever they need it. This allows them to focus, feel comfortable, and fully participate in learning without the distraction of hunger. The fidgets and sensory tools are especially helpful for students who need extra support with self-regulation and focus. These items are being used in our calming corner, as well as during center time to provide hands-on learning experiences. Even the simple act of covering shelves and cluttered areas has made a big difference in creating a calmer, more organized environment, especially for students who are easily overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nYour support has brought us not just supplies, but a sense of hope, care, and connection. You've helped us make our classroom feel like a second home; a place where it's okay to make mistakes, to grow, and to be yourself.","fullyFundedDate":1754428437362,"projectUrl":"project/the-essentials/9452752/","projectTitle":"The Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Escoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2215817_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507865884157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-escoto"},{"teacherId":2215817,"projectId":9142665,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our recent DonorsChoose project. Although the KTEA Brief 3 assessment resource is still in transit from the vendor, I'm already excited about the positive impact it will have on our school community.\r\n\r\nAs an educator, one of the most critical parts of my job is understanding exactly where my students are academically. Without clear, efficient tools for assessing their abilities, it can be difficult to know how best to support them. The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Brief Form (KTEA-3 Brief) is a trusted, research-based assessment that will help us do just that. It provides a snapshot of a student's performance in key academic areas like reading, math, and written language. With this information, I'll be able to identify learning strengths and areas that need extra attention—quickly and accurately. This assessment tool will allow me, and other educators on our team, to more accurately gauge our students' academic strengths and areas of need. Having quick access to this kind of reliable data will help us identify learning gaps early and tailor our instruction and interventions more effectively.\r\n\r\nNot only will this benefit my students directly, but it will also support collaboration across grade levels and departments as we work together to ensure every student receives the help and enrichment they deserve.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in this project and the potential it holds. Your support is helping us make informed, student-centered decisions that will lead to greater academic growth and success.","fullyFundedDate":1751387078078,"projectUrl":"project/assessments-to-grow/9142665/","projectTitle":"Assessments to Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Escoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2215817_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507865884157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-escoto"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5653","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":437,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":94,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.8,"schoolId":5653,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ruiz Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ruiz Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/ruiz-elementary-school/5653"}