{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ruiz Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2215817,"projectId":9600406,"letterContent":"Thanks to your donation I was able to obtain much needed resource for my students. The UFLI is an amazing resource in introducing students to the foundational reading skills necessary to become proficient readers. I am excited to implement it within my instruction and further support students to support close their learning gaps. It is people like you that make the biggest impact in the classroom. Your generosity truly makes our job easier and it also makes us feel seen and supported. Thank you for caring about teachers, but most importantly, thank you for caring for our students and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1764705044959,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-one-sound-at-a/9600406/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers, One Sound at a Time","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":7791888,"projectId":9541734,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom project, \"Building Bilingual Literacy.\" Because of your support, our classroom library has been transformed into a space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, language is a superpower. However, finding high-quality bilingual resources can often be a challenge. Your contribution has provided us with books that the students are genuinely interested in, like Los Tipos Malos, We play Soccer (bilingual), and We are all different, and it's amazing (bilingual), just to name a few.\r\n\r\nSince these materials arrived, the energy in our reading nook has changed. I have watched students' eyes light up when they found a book in their native language and even two students sitting together reading together (one student read English while the other read Spanish). These books aren't just tools for literacy; they are bridges between school and home, and between different cultures within our four walls.\r\n\r\nYour kindness reminds my students that their voices matter and that their community—even people they haven't met—is rooting for their success. Thank you for investing in our future bilingual leaders.\r\n\r\nWith immense gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1758822321503,"projectUrl":"project/building-bilingual-literacy/9541734/","projectTitle":"Building Bilingual Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. León","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7791888_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727059557986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7791888"},{"teacherId":8627765,"projectId":9628564,"letterContent":"Thank you so much on supporting the student's interest in reading. Students are flying through books this school year. Many students really enjoy reading at least a couple of pages before they check out a full book. With your support, we keep the library books current and with books they are excited to read. It helps provided new books to students who probably would not be able to buy them. The Babysitter Club is very popular with the girls and the boys enjoy the Minecraft Stonesword Saga Chapter Book Boxed Set.","fullyFundedDate":1764729208361,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fun-part-6/9628564/","projectTitle":"Reading is Fun! (Part 6)","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":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"}],"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"}