{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mark T Skinner West Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5169765,"projectId":9413037,"letterContent":"Since introducing Bee-Bots into our STEM class, the impact on student engagement and learning has been remarkable. Bee-Bots have transformed our early-elementary lessons by giving students a hands-on, age-appropriate way to explore coding, sequencing, and problem-solving. Even our youngest learners can plan commands, test their ideas, and revise their approach which are all foundational skills in computer science and engineering.\r\n\r\nStudents who were hesitant during traditional lessons are now eager to participate. The bright, friendly design of the Bee-Bots makes coding feel accessible and fun, which has boosted confidence across all ability levels. Many students say STEM is now their \"favorite class,\" and they cheer each other on as they work through challenges like navigating mazes, following maps, and creating their own routes.\r\n\r\nThe collaborative nature of Bee-Bot activities has also strengthened teamwork and communication. Students naturally work together to debug their code, discuss strategies, and share success. These conversations have become some of our richest moments of critical thinking and peer learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, Bee-Bots have helped lay a strong foundation for future STEM learning. Students now proudly use terms like \"algorithm,\" \"sequence,\" and \"debug,\" and they understand those ideas because they've experienced them in action. The excitement and confidence they've gained will carry with them as they move into more advanced STEM tools like Scratch, Tinkercad, and robotics in later grades.\r\n\r\nThanks to the support that made Bee-Bots possible, our classroom has become a place where curiosity thrives, creativity is encouraged, and every student feels like a coder.","fullyFundedDate":1758824123123,"projectUrl":"project/coding-bee-bots/9413037/","projectTitle":"Coding Bee Bots","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McCarthy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5169765_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600227837850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5169765"},{"teacherId":3834215,"projectId":9580816,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom!\r\n\r\nWe've already begun using the gelli printing plates, which you can see in some of the photos I uploaded. The students were incredibly excited to try this new printmaking technique, and they've created some amazing artwork that we look forward to showcasing at our end-of-year art show!\r\n\r\nOur middle school students will begin using the three printing presses in the next few weeks. I've included a photo of the sample project I'm preparing. They'll be making animal prints using a reduction printing method, creating two layers for each of their prints. These finished pieces will also be featured in our end-of-year show.\r\n\r\nThe best part about these new supplies is that they will last for many years! They don't need to be replaced annually, so thousands of students will have the opportunity to learn and explore printmaking thanks to your generosity.\r\n\r\nWe truly couldn't be more grateful. Thank you again for supporting our young artists!","fullyFundedDate":1755508484520,"projectUrl":"project/printmakers-in-the-making/9580816/","projectTitle":"Printmakers in the Making","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Florczak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3834215_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538056104746","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3834215"},{"teacherId":9917990,"projectId":9219811,"letterContent":"Your support helped us have 2 of the most amazing days possible.\r\nWe had 2 days because of the rain so we had to make quick adjustments.\r\nThe weather did not stop the students from keeping super busy and active throughout the day.\r\nThe supplies that you helped us secure were the additional topping needed, especially for our Primary student population. They were not denied. \r\nThe entire staff were onboard and were just as involved as the students as it relates to having a great time inside and outside.\r\nWe cannot thank you enough for support our Field Day event.","fullyFundedDate":1743979789547,"projectUrl":"project/field-day-25/9219811/","projectTitle":"Field Day '25","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Washington and Mrs. Jerris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9917990"},{"teacherId":3203636,"projectId":8876301,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! We are thrilled to share some exciting news—our class has not only met, but surpassed our reading goal, reaching an incredible 141%!\r\n\r\nThis milestone would not have been possible without the kindness and support of donors like you. Your contributions helped us bring new and engaging chapter books into our classroom, which in turn created an environment of excitement and curiosity around reading. These books were more than just pages and words—they were gateways into new worlds, characters, and ideas that captured our students' imaginations and motivated them to read more than ever before.\r\n\r\nAs a result of this project, we were able to supplement our existing curriculum with meaningful and enjoyable chapter book studies. These books encouraged thoughtful discussions, built reading stamina, and supported a love for literature in a way that traditional worksheets and textbooks simply cannot. Students who were once hesitant readers began looking forward to reading time, eagerly flipping pages and asking insightful questions about characters, plots, and themes. The books became shared experiences that brought our classroom community closer together.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting outcomes was seeing how proud the students were of themselves. Reaching 141% of our goal gave them a sense of achievement and helped them see the value in setting and working toward academic goals. We held mini celebrations, shared reflections, and created artwork inspired by the books we read. Many students even began asking for additional books to read at home or during their free time—something that brings joy to any educator's heart.\r\n\r\nYour generosity went far beyond simply purchasing materials; you played a direct role in inspiring and empowering a group of young learners. You reminded them that there are people out there who believe in their potential and are willing to invest in their education. That message alone is powerful.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support, and we want you to know how much of a difference you've made in our classroom. Projects like this not only enhance learning experiences but also help build a culture of lifelong reading. Our students will carry the confidence, curiosity, and joy from this reading journey with them into future grades and beyond.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our class and for making such a lasting impact. We couldn't have done it without you!","fullyFundedDate":1729532832255,"projectUrl":"project/ela-guided-reading-at-the-teachers-tabl/8876301/","projectTitle":"ELA Guided Reading at the Teacher's Table","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ip","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3203636_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597285429708","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3203636"},{"teacherId":9917990,"projectId":9101956,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing my project to life. We have had an amazing time with all of the materials. What I thought to be only necessary for 3rd-5th grade students, has become a major hit and an equipment necessity for my middle school students.\r\n\r\nMany of the activities have been modified for each grade level.\r\nWe have also used the materials to use as examples of the real thing that will occur during our annual Field Day at Skinner West event. This is the time when we gather and let off all the steam that has occurred during the school year.\r\n\r\nThe students and I are just in awe to know that we will not have improvise because we have just what we need for many classes to come.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1740585580874,"projectUrl":"project/operation-pe-filler-up/9101956/","projectTitle":"Operation: PE Filler-UP","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Washington and Mrs. Jerris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9917990"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5272","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1048,"numTeachers":51,"percentFrplEligible":23,"percentAsian":29,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.3,"schoolId":5272,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mark T Skinner West Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mark T Skinner West Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/skinner-classical-school/5272"}