{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ruiz Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8627765,"projectId":10018347,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these amazing new books for our classroom library! Students were excited the moment they saw them and couldn't wait to start reading. Some of the most popular choices right now are Bounce Back 3: Sew Totally Nala, the Pokémon battle matchup book, The Awakening Storm, FGTeeV: Out of Time!, and The Pocket Peaches.\r\n\r\nThese books have really sparked interest and conversation, and students are constantly asking to read them or share them with friends. It's wonderful to see how engaged they are and how much they enjoy reading together. Your support is helping build confidence, excitement, and a strong reading culture in our classroom. We truly appreciate your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1773875226954,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fun-part-10/10018347/","projectTitle":"Reading Is Fun! (part 10)","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":10158327,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for adding such wonderful new books to our classroom library! The students were incredibly excited to explore the new titles and were eager to check them out right away.\r\n\r\nThey especially love the Rowley books and the new graphic novels. Some other favorites include Diary of a Roblox Avatar, The Academy series, and Squished. These books have truly captured their interest and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nAt this point in the school year, students have built impressive reading stamina and are choosing to read simply because they enjoy it. It's been amazing to see how much they genuinely believe that reading is fun.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a meaningful impact on their learning and love of reading. Thank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1773836453995,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fun-part-9/10158327/","projectTitle":"Reading is FUN (part 9)","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":9417484,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation to our classroom! It took me longer than I'd like to admit to hang up these Secret Stories posters, but as soon as I did so, my students were immediately asking me questions about them.\r\n\r\nAfter reading the first few secret stories to them, my students expressed that they felt the stories were a fun way to remember some of the phonics rules. I hope adding Secret Stories to our current phonics program will help all my students succeed and demonstrate mastery even faster.","fullyFundedDate":1758813111710,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-the-secrets-of-phonics/9417484/","projectTitle":"Unlocking the Secrets of Phonics","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":9232443,"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":1752939525301,"projectUrl":"project/begging-for-books-part-20-reading-bu/9232443/","projectTitle":"Begging for Books (Part 20) + 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":8627765,"projectId":9592423,"letterContent":"Thank you so much in helping us add new books to our classroom library and other supplies. The small anchor chart paper is great to add many visuals to our classroom. The erasable poster markers allows for fixing mistakes and for students to create their own posters and correcting mistakes. The Academy book was an interesting addition. Many students love soccer and were thrilled when we read the summary together. Many students have checked it out since we received it. The baby sitter series is always a student favorite.","fullyFundedDate":1764725805493,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fun-part-8/9592423/","projectTitle":"Reading is Fun (Part 8)","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":9628504,"letterContent":"YAY! That was the very first reaction from my fourth graders when they saw the two wobble chairs arrive in our classroom. Their excitement said it all.\r\nThese wobble chairs have already made a meaningful impact during our small group sessions. Many of my students focus best when they are able to move, and the gentle motion of the wobble chairs allows them to stay active while remaining engaged in learning. Instead of becoming distracted or disruptive, students are now able to channel their energy into productive movement.\r\nThe chairs have quickly become a favorite flexible seating option. Students look forward to their turn to use them and often say how much they help them concentrate.\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom environment is more supportive, more comfortable, and more conducive to learning. You have helped create a space where students can meet their individual needs while staying focused and confident.\r\nThank you for investing in our fourth graders. Your kindness truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1764598875375,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-fantastic-fourth-gr/9628504/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for 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":3772722,"projectId":9738932,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a quick note of gratitude to everyone who contributed to our classroom snack stash.\r\n\r\nThese snacks have become a vital safety net. We use them to ensure that no student has to sit through a lesson feeling 'hangry' or left out if they forgot their snack at home. It has created a more equitable environment where everyone starts the lesson on a level playing field.\r\n\r\nHaving these snacks on hand ensures that every student has the energy they need to focus on their learning, especially during those long morning stretches. The kids were so excited to see the variety, and your generosity truly helps our classroom run more smoothly.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our students!","fullyFundedDate":1760717822926,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-to-fight-the-grumbles/9738932/","projectTitle":"Snacks to Fight the Grumbles","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":3225982,"projectId":9417618,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these fidgets! So many students on my caseload benefit from being able to move as they complete their classwork and listen to instruction. For some students, fidgets work well. For others, having a cushion to sit on or place under their feet is what they need. Having these resources available also helps students advocate for their needs and be more proactive about their learning. \r\n\r\nHaving a variety of fidgets available also helps my students when they get distracted by items in their backpack or desk. Giving them the option to grab a fidget removes the power struggle when they are asked to put a toy away.","fullyFundedDate":1758221844841,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-while-we-work-part-5/9417618/","projectTitle":"Wiggle While We Work (Part 5)","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":9586418,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! XtraMath has been an amazing resource for my students to practice their math facts. While many of my students can access grade-level concepts, their lack of fact fluency has a negative impact on their test scores and overall math confidence. Having XtraMath as part of our math routine allows them to practice facts at their level, and I have seen great progress from them!\r\n\r\nThe pencils and eraser caps have also been very helpful for students to use as they complete their math worksheets.","fullyFundedDate":1758055966976,"projectUrl":"project/math-fact-mastery/9586418/","projectTitle":"Math Fact Mastery","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":130125,"projectId":9740703,"letterContent":"Having this printer is the best! I teach three different grade levels of math and I'm constantly realizing I need something that I forgot to print. Having this printer in my classroom allows us to print whatever we need all the time. \r\n\r\nFor example, yesterday I had all of my exponent handouts ready to go for the eighth graders, and then realized I had not translated it into Spanish. I translated it, printed it out, and was able to hand it out to the students all within about 15 minutes. The longest part, of course, was having to translate it correctly, but the printing part, that was super easy thanks to YOU!!","fullyFundedDate":1763568221924,"projectUrl":"project/printing-in-class-makes-kids-feel-self-s/9740703/","projectTitle":"Printing in class makes kids feel self sufficient","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Diaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp130125_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1485442813093","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ani-diaz"},{"teacherId":9927802,"projectId":9923250,"letterContent":"Words can not express the gratitude that I have for your donations! My students have been able to participate in their sessions with ease and with the comfort of knowing that they have their dedicated space. The dedicated table and chair has created a welcoming, organized, and student-centered area for my students. It has also promoted meaningful participation, improved focus, and a sense of safety during conversations with my students. Your contribution has made a powerful impact on the quality of support my students have received. This would not have happened without your contribution!","fullyFundedDate":1764690833239,"projectUrl":"project/a-table-for-tomorrows-leaders/9923250/","projectTitle":"A Table for Tomorrow’s Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rodriguez208"},{"teacherId":3772722,"projectId":8537043,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of essential school supplies to our classroom. It is often the simplest things—a sharpened pencil, or a working marker, that make the biggest difference in a student's day.\r\n\r\nHow we are using these resources: We have officially integrated these new tools into our daily rhythm. The Expo markers are used every morning for our \"Math Warm-Ups,\" allowing students to brainstorm on whiteboards without the fear of making a mistake. Our new pencil sharpeners have eliminated the long line at the back of the room, and the laminated sheets have allowed me to create durable, reusable reading mats for our literacy centers.","fullyFundedDate":1732743636458,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-basics/8537043/","projectTitle":"Back to School Basics","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"}],"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":73.9,"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"}