{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Simeon Career Academy","outOfStateSupporters":30.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7116935,"projectId":10276117,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Vocational Learning Through Technology and Life Skills Instruction\" project. The new television stand has helped us transform our problem-solving and vocational area into a more organized, accessible, and functional learning space. By securely holding the television at a comfortable viewing height, the stand keeps our tabletop open and provides students with ample room to complete activities. My students were excited to see the new setup and immediately enjoyed gathering in the area to participate in lessons together.\r\nStudents now have a dedicated space where they can focus on vocational and life-skills instruction outside of their traditional academic work. They can comfortably view instructional videos while using the table for workbooks, hands-on materials, and technology-based activities. The spacious arrangement allows students to work individually or collaboratively while practicing following directions, completing multistep tasks, solving problems, and communicating with their peers.\r\nOur next step is to expand the vocational activities offered in this area and help students use the space with increasing independence. They will practice gathering their materials, maintaining an organized workstation, completing assigned tasks, and properly returning supplies when finished. Thank you for providing a resource that has made our classroom more inclusive and has given students a comfortable place to develop meaningful workplace and independent-living skills.","fullyFundedDate":1779129084662,"projectUrl":"project/vocational-learning-through-technology-a/10276117/","projectTitle":"Vocational Learning Through Technology and Life Skills Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7116935_orig.jpg?crop=633,633,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673371018765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7116935"},{"teacherId":7116935,"projectId":10269688,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Gaming, Creativity, and Social Learning After School\" project. My students were extremely excited when they first saw the new gaming tables and immediately began exploring the completed game center. The tables provide stable surfaces for our televisions and gaming systems while also giving students an organized place to store and access their games. This has made the gaming area safer, more functional, and more inviting for everyone.\r\nWe are using the game center as part of our positive behavior reward system and during our after-school program. Students can earn gaming time by completing assignments, following classroom expectations, and demonstrating positive behavior. Having an exciting reward to work toward helps keep them motivated, engaged, and eager to learn. During gaming activities, students also practice important social-emotional skills such as sharing, taking turns, communicating appropriately, cooperating with others, and showing good sportsmanship.\r\nOur next step is to continue teaching students how to independently select, use, organize, and return the gaming materials while caring for the equipment responsibly. We will also use structured group games to strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and positive peer relationships. Thank you for helping us create a space where students can celebrate their accomplishments, build meaningful social skills, and experience the joy of learning together.","fullyFundedDate":1779227780341,"projectUrl":"project/gaming-creativity-and-social-learning/10269688/","projectTitle":"Gaming, Creativity, and Social Learning After School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7116935_orig.jpg?crop=633,633,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673371018765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7116935"},{"teacherId":7116935,"projectId":10257429,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Building Independence One Shelf at a Time.\" Our classroom engineers recently had the opportunity to assemble the new bookshelf, giving them a meaningful hands-on experience that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and vocational skills. They were excited to see the finished shelf and proud to know that they helped create something useful for their classroom.\r\nWe plan to use the bookshelf to organize and display our student workbooks, life-skills materials, and vocational activity books. Our current storage cart does not make the materials easily visible or accessible to all students. With the new shelf, students will be able to clearly see their options, select the materials they need, and use them more independently while completing classroom and vocational assignments.\r\nOur next step is to organize and label each section of the shelf so students can learn where the materials belong and practice choosing and returning resources independently. This will help us create a more organized, accessible, and student-centered learning environment while strengthening important daily living and workplace skills. Thank you again for investing in our students and helping us provide them with meaningful opportunities to build greater confidence and independence.","fullyFundedDate":1778074363460,"projectUrl":"project/building-independence-one-shelf-at-a-tim/10257429/","projectTitle":"Building Independence One Shelf at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7116935_orig.jpg?crop=633,633,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673371018765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7116935"},{"teacherId":7116935,"projectId":9993269,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our Gamers' Corner has become a meaningful and motivating space for my students. Many of my students face daily challenges, and school is one of the few places where they can feel supported, regulated, and successful. When they first experienced the Gamers' Corner, they were excited, focused, and eager to meet expectations so they could earn access. It immediately became something they value and work toward.\r\n\r\nThis space has allowed me to strengthen my classroom management in a positive and structured way. Students now have a clear, motivating incentive tied to respectful behavior, self-control, and meeting expectations. I have seen noticeable growth in students' ability to regulate their emotions, make better choices, and stay engaged throughout the day. The Gamers' Corner is not just a reward—it is a tool that helps reinforce positive behavior while honoring students' interests and giving them a safe space to decompress.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I have been able to create an environment where students feel motivated, respected, and encouraged to succeed. This project has had a powerful impact on both their behavior and their confidence, and I am truly grateful for your investment in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1768400221636,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-positive-behavior-with-a-welco/9993269/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Positive Behavior with a Welcoming Gamers' Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7116935_orig.jpg?crop=633,633,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673371018765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7116935"},{"teacherId":7116935,"projectId":9747740,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a hands-on learning environment where my students can safely explore and build real-life skills. When the materials arrived, my students were excited, curious, and eager to participate. For many of them, this was their first time being able to actively engage in cooking in a structured, supportive setting. Their enthusiasm was immediate—they wanted to touch, try, and learn.\r\n\r\nUsing the adaptive tools and cooking equipment, my students are now practicing essential life skills such as following directions, measuring, collaborating, and maintaining safety in the kitchen. These are not just classroom activities—they are meaningful experiences that build independence and confidence. I have been able to create lessons where students work together, take ownership of tasks, and experience the pride of completing something on their own. Even small successes, like safely using utensils or completing a step in a recipe, have become major milestones for my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I am able to provide opportunities that go far beyond traditional instruction. My students are learning patience, responsibility, and teamwork while gaining skills that will support them in their everyday lives beyond school. This project has truly made a lasting impact, and I am incredibly grateful for your kindness and investment in my students' future.","fullyFundedDate":1768232009710,"projectUrl":"project/building-life-skills-through-safe-cookin/9747740/","projectTitle":"Building Life Skills Through Safe Cooking and Sensory Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7116935_orig.jpg?crop=633,633,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673371018765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7116935"},{"teacherId":7116935,"projectId":9837052,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space where learning feels real, meaningful, and empowering. Through our classroom economy system, my students are not just completing tasks—they are actively practicing responsibility, decision-making, and independence. Each day, they earn classroom currency for positive behavior, teamwork, and accountability, and they take great pride in seeing their efforts recognized in a tangible way.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were immediately excited and engaged. They were eager to participate, ask questions, and understand how the system works. Watching them use their earnings to \"purchase\" items from our classroom store—whether snacks, small treats, or school supplies—has been incredibly powerful. These moments go beyond simple rewards; they are opportunities for students to practice budgeting, saving, and making thoughtful choices. For many of my students, especially those with special needs, this hands-on experience builds confidence, strengthens self-control, and supports social-emotional growth in ways that traditional instruction cannot.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, everyday classroom moments have become meaningful life lessons. My students are learning skills that will stay with them far beyond our classroom—skills rooted in independence, responsibility, and self-worth. Your support has truly made a lasting impact, and I am deeply grateful for your investment in my students' growth and future.","fullyFundedDate":1767061389687,"projectUrl":"project/snack-save-spend-and-serve-building/9837052/","projectTitle":"Snack, Save, Spend, and Serve: Building a Classroom Economy!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7116935_orig.jpg?crop=633,633,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673371018765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7116935"},{"teacherId":7116935,"projectId":9718668,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project. Because of your generosity, my students now have a dedicated, professional workspace within our Life Skills Lab where they can practice essential real-world skills every day. When the new workstation was set up, my students were immediately drawn to it. They recognized it as a \"real\" work area, which sparked excitement, pride, and a strong sense of responsibility. Having a sturdy, organized table has already made a noticeable difference in how seriously they approach tasks related to job readiness and independence.\r\n\r\nWe are using this new workstation to practice writing job applications and resumes, completing workplace tasks, and learning appropriate communication and teamwork skills. For many of my students, hands-on learning and visual structure are essential, and this space provides both. Instead of working on temporary paper-covered tables, students now have a consistent, professional environment that mirrors what they will experience in real jobs. This has increased their focus, confidence, and willingness to engage in challenging tasks.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped transform part of our classroom into a true Life Skills Zone where students are building independence, confidence, and readiness for life beyond school. Thank you for believing in my students' potential and for investing in their future. Your generosity has created lasting opportunities that will impact them far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758895990621,"projectUrl":"project/our-life-skills-station-for-independence/9718668/","projectTitle":"Our Life Skills Station For Independence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7116935_orig.jpg?crop=633,633,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673371018765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7116935"},{"teacherId":618014,"projectId":9731561,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my school project \"Create a Welcoming and Comfortable Therapy Space.\" \r\n\r\nOur new testing room has been transformed from an empty closet to a space where students can comfortably take assessments, receive various school based therapies, and have a space for a sensory break when things become overwhelming for them. We were able to provide basics like pens and pencils, along with some more soothing items, like some lovely plants to make the room more appealing.\r\n\r\nI deeply appreciate your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758803380040,"projectUrl":"project/create-a-welcoming-and-comfortable-thera/9731561/","projectTitle":"Create a Welcoming and Comfortable Therapy Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/618014"},{"teacherId":7116935,"projectId":9626900,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are experiencing a new level of excitement, engagement, and confidence in our Life Skills classroom. The TV you funded has already become one of our most powerful instructional tools. My students—many of whom are in our Cluster Significant Needs program and live with disabilities—thrive when they can see skills demonstrated visually. Now, when we work on daily living routines such as cooking, self-care, making safe choices, and problem-solving, the instructional videos bring these lessons to life in ways that printed materials alone never could.\r\n\r\nI wish you could have seen their faces the first time we turned the TV on and played a Life Skills video. My students sat up straighter, leaned in, and immediately began naming the items and steps they recognized from the book series. Several students who typically struggle with attention were pointing to the screen, asking questions, and following along with the modeled routines. It was one of those moments that reminded me how small supports can open big doors. The visual modeling helps them better understand abstract concepts, and many of them have already started applying the steps more independently during our hands-on practice.\r\n\r\nThis TV has also helped us create a classroom environment that feels warm, calm, and supportive. Many of my students do not have access to a TV or DVD player at home, which limits how much they can practice these skills outside of school. By bringing this resource into our classroom, you've created an equitable learning space where every student can see the lessons clearly, participate fully, and feel successful. We pair the TV with our new rug and lamp to make our room feel like a comfortable, welcoming place to learn—and my students notice the difference. They often comment on how \"cozy\" or \"homey\" the space feels, which makes a huge impact on their ability to stay focused and relaxed during instruction.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping us prepare students not just to learn life skills but to live them. The independence, pride, and joy I see in my classroom every day is a direct reflection of the opportunity you gave them. Thank you for believing in their potential and for making their learning environment a place where they can grow, feel confident, and build the skills they need for their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1755735729580,"projectUrl":"project/see-it-learn-it-a-tv-for-life-skills/9626900/","projectTitle":"See It, Learn It: A TV for Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7116935_orig.jpg?crop=633,633,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673371018765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7116935"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5791","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1044,"numTeachers":66,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":97,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.3,"schoolId":5791,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Simeon Career Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Simeon Career Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/simeon-career-academy/5791"}