{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Smith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1527832,"projectId":9518836,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! My students and I are incredibly grateful for your kindness and belief in the power of education. Because of your contribution, we will now have access to essential classroom supplies, a printer for instructional materials, and cleaning supplies to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese resources will make an immediate and meaningful impact in our classroom. The printer will allow us to create engaging lessons, print student work to celebrate growth, and send important materials home to families. The cleaning supplies will help us care for our shared space and stay healthy, especially during cold and flu season and supporting students in learning responsibility and pride in their environment.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly brought joy and excitement to our classroom. What may seem like simple items will deeply enhance my students' learning, creativity, and well-being every day. We are so thankful for your generosity and belief in our work.","fullyFundedDate":1760719596123,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-our-classroom-for-success-and/9518836/","projectTitle":"Equipping Our Classroom for Success and Clean Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Love","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1527832_orig.jpg?crop=893,893,x110,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699040295303","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1527832"},{"teacherId":3744736,"projectId":9404684,"letterContent":"Thank You—We're Rolling, Running, and Ready to Play!\r\n\r\nA huge, heartfelt thank you to all our amazing donors for the new gross motor equipment!\r\n\r\nThanks to your incredible generosity, our PreK students is now stocked with hula hoops colorful hoops, durable balls, and fantastic balance equipment.\r\n\r\nThis equipment provides vital opportunities for our kids to develop strength, coordination, and confidence while having a blast. Every jump, roll, and run is a step toward a healthier, more active future.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support in making movement and play a priority. You've truly made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1751657543207,"projectUrl":"project/gross-motor-items-for-pre-k-/9404684/","projectTitle":"Gross Motor Items for Pre K !","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Battee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3744736_orig.jpg?crop=2401,2401,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749478577329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3744736"},{"teacherId":3744736,"projectId":9395129,"letterContent":"These are fundamental for developing fine motor control (the small muscle movements in the hands and wrists needed for writing). Providing high-quality, easily accessible crayons encourages more drawing, coloring, and self-expression. Color, in general, enhances visual discrimination and allows children to make their representations of the world more realistic and complex. These are invaluable for individualized learning and language development.They allow children to engage with educational audio programs, stories, or early reading software without distracting their classmates.They help children focus by blocking out distracting classroom noise, which is especially helpful for children with sensory sensitivities or those learning a new language (English language learners). They can be used for phonological awareness activities, where children need to hear subtle differences between sounds.","fullyFundedDate":1751386744756,"projectUrl":"project/the-first-days/9395129/","projectTitle":"The First Days!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Battee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3744736_orig.jpg?crop=2401,2401,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749478577329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3744736"},{"teacherId":9928361,"projectId":9123838,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity in fully funding my project. Because of your support, my students now have access to critical tools that are making a real difference in their ability to regulate emotions, build resilience, and feel safe in their school environment.\r\n\r\nEach item you helped provide has played a meaningful role in our therapeutic space:\r\n\r\nThe snacks have become an essential part of our sessions. Many students come to school hungry or distracted by basic unmet needs, and having access to a simple, nourishing snack helps them settle in and focus during their therapy time. It's a small act of care that makes a big difference; it tells them, you matter, and your needs are seen.\r\n\r\nThe weighted stuffed animals have brought an incredible sense of calm and comfort to the students. They gravitate toward these soft, supportive companions, often holding them tightly during difficult conversations or moments of overwhelm. The gentle pressure helps ground them, providing a physical sense of security that words sometimes cannot.\r\n\r\nThe bottles were used to create personalized sensory jars. Simply using glitter, water, glue, and mica powders transformed them into magical tools that help students visualize their emotions settling. Making their own jars was not only a fun, creative activity but also an empowering one. Now, when big feelings arise, students shake their jars and watch as the glitter slowly settles, just like their thoughts and feelings can, with time and support.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful additions to our work has been the \"A Little SPOT of Emotions\" books. These stories have helped students learn the names of their feelings and understand that all emotions are valid. We use the characters like the Peaceful Spot, Angry Spot, and Anxious Spot, to guide conversations about what emotions feel like and how to manage them.\r\n\r\nEvery session, I see the positive impact of your gift. Students who once struggled to express themselves are now learning to name their emotions, self-soothe, and trust the process of healing. Your donation helped create a space that many of these children don't have elsewhere, a place where they feel seen, safe, and supported.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, I've been able to create a safe, nurturing space where children can begin to heal, grow, and believe in themselves. Your donation has gone far beyond materials, it's touched hearts and made a lasting impact on lives.","fullyFundedDate":1740678009532,"projectUrl":"project/healing-beings-here/9123838/","projectTitle":"Healing Beings Here!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9928361_orig.jpg?crop=1867,1868,x0,y105&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740342781078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9928361"},{"teacherId":9899654,"projectId":9066244,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Vehyon Cartman, and I am the School Counselor at Wendell Smith Elementary, located in the heart of our city. I am writing on behalf of our students, staff, and families to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of RC drones and cars to our school community. Your kindness has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of our children, and I wanted to take a moment to share with you just how impactful your gift has been.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, opportunities to engage with technology and hands-on learning are limited by circumstances beyond their control. Our school serves a vibrant and diverse group of children, many of whom face daily challenges related to poverty, limited resources, and a lack of safe recreational spaces. Your donation has opened up a world of possibility for them—a world filled with excitement, creativity, and hope.\r\nThe RC drones and cars have quickly become a highlight of our after-school and enrichment programs. I have watched students who were once shy or withdrawn light up with curiosity as they learn to operate the drones, problem-solve, and collaborate with their peers. The joy on their faces as they race the RC cars around the playground or pilot a drone through an obstacle course is truly priceless. These experiences are not only fun, but they also foster important skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nOne of the most touching moments came when a student, who has struggled with self-confidence, successfully navigated a drone through a series of hoops. The pride in his eyes and the cheers from his classmates were a testament to the positive environment your donation has helped create. Moments like these are building blocks for resilience and self-esteem, qualities that will serve our students well throughout their lives.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has also inspired our staff to develop new STEM-focused activities, integrating the RC vehicles into lessons about physics, engineering, and technology. For many of our students, this is their first exposure to these concepts in a hands-on setting, sparking interest in fields they may not have considered before. You are helping to plant seeds for future scientists, engineers, and innovators.\r\n\r\nBeyond the educational impact, your donation has sent a powerful message to our student; that there are people in the world who care about them and believe in their potential. In a community where hope can sometimes feel scarce, your kindness has been a beacon of light.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of all of us at Wendell Smith Elementary, thank you for your vision, your generosity, and your belief in our children. You have made a lasting difference, and we are deeply grateful. We hope you know that you are always welcome to visit and see firsthand the joy and growth your gift has made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1738970105933,"projectUrl":"project/rc-adventurers-ready-to-make-a-change/9066244/","projectTitle":"RC Adventurers Ready to Make a Change!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cartman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9899654"},{"teacherId":106158,"projectId":9116269,"letterContent":"Many people—adults and students alike—aren't reading as much these days. I wanted to change that for my students. Too often, they're only exposed to required texts that may not spark their interests. My goal was simple: help students rediscover the joy of reading for pleasure.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous donation, I was able to provide books that aligned with students' instructional reading levels. This wasn't just about access—it was about building fluency, comprehension, and most importantly, a genuine desire to read.\r\n\r\nIn my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA classroom, independent reading became something students looked forward to. If you had peeked in during that time, here's what you might have seen:\r\n\r\nStudents reading intently at their desks\r\n\r\nOthers on Fit Bikes, pedaling as they read\r\n\r\nStudents in flexible seating, tucked into the classroom library\r\n\r\nLively peer conversations about shared book series\r\n\r\nMost importantly: engaged learners, everywhere you looked\r\n\r\nThree of my students read at a kindergarten level. These students were thrilled to be included. When they chose books above their level, I created Bookshare.org accounts for them, giving them access to audio versions of the stories they loved. One student in particular—who typically struggled to stay seated—began sitting and reading for extended periods. That's the power of having the right books.\r\n\r\nOur classroom is grateful. Although the school year has ended, these books will remain a core part of our small group rotations when we return. The impact will continue to grow.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us—especially the Wendell Smith Scholars—thank you immensely. Your support made a difference. I'd be happy to share more updates in the coming year!","fullyFundedDate":1743442572094,"projectUrl":"project/adventure-corner/9116269/","projectTitle":"Adventure Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Muhammad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp106158_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739668852175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/106158"},{"teacherId":3744736,"projectId":9103817,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support means more than words can express. Because of you, my students now have access to new rugs which will make a lasting impact on their learning experience.\r\n\r\nYour kindness not only enhances our daily lessons but also shows my students the power of community and generosity. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in their future. \r\n\r\nWe are delighted to have fresh rugs in our centers for the start of the new school year.","fullyFundedDate":1749004986226,"projectUrl":"project/new-rugs-for-prek/9103817/","projectTitle":"New Rugs for PreK!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Battee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3744736_orig.jpg?crop=2401,2401,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749478577329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3744736"},{"teacherId":9318366,"projectId":9006784,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, I want to say thank you for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project, \"Fresh and Fabulous: Hygiene Supplies for Our Students.\"\r\nIt is an awesome and humbling feeling to be able to meet a real, everyday need for our students. Because of you, we were able to create a welcoming and dignified hygiene station where students could discreetly select the items they needed most—whether it was deodorant, lotion, toothpaste, feminine products, or bandaids. This act empowered our students with the tools to take care of themselves and show up for learning with confidence.\r\nThe response was immediate and powerful. Our hygiene station became a quiet hub of self-care, respect, and relief. Students were genuinely excited—not just because the items were free, but because they felt seen and supported. \r\nYour donation didn't just provide hygiene items, it also opened the door to important conversations about self-care, wellness, and self-respect!\r\nThank you for helping us get started in such a meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1736368452515,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-and-fabulous-hygiene-supplies-for/9006784/","projectTitle":"Fresh and Fabulous: Hygiene Supplies for Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Muhammad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9318366_orig.jpg?crop=2949,2949,x0,y117&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728410777527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9318366"},{"teacherId":9318366,"projectId":8866990,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project, Brick by Brick: Building Future Heroes with LEGO! Your generosity brought more than just blocks into our classroom—you helped us build bridges between students, spark curiosity, and lay the foundation for future success.\r\n\r\nThis project was such a meaningful experience. We used LEGO building as a hands-on way to support the development of important social skills like taking turns, perspective taking, and sequencing with concepts such as \"first, then, last.\" What made this initiative truly special was the way it brought together our diverse learners and general education students. In a shared, inclusive environment, students learned from and with one another—through teamwork, communication, and, of course, fun!\r\n\r\nBeyond social-emotional learning, this project also served as an introduction to the world of engineering for our young, primary students. It opened their minds to the idea that they, too, can be designers, builders, and problem-solvers.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create such a powerful, joyful learning experience. We are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1733200784047,"projectUrl":"project/brick-by-brick-building-future-heroes-w/8866990/","projectTitle":"Brick by Brick: Building Future Heroes with LEGO","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Muhammad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9318366_orig.jpg?crop=2949,2949,x0,y117&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728410777527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9318366"},{"teacherId":9318366,"projectId":8995974,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for funding our DonorsChoose project, From Hangry to Happy. Your generosity made it possible for our students to have access to healthy snacks while participating in various Social Emotional Learning (SEL) groups here at Wendell Smith Elementary.\r\n\r\nWhen I started the snack drive, my goal was not only to make sure students weren't distracted by hunger, but also to introduce them to healthier food options. At first, it was a slow journey—many were hesitant to try something new. But over time, something amazing happened. The same students who once turned their noses up at veggie chips and 100% juice boxes began asking for them by name. Yes!!!\r\n\r\nYour support created more than just full bellies—it helped shape healthier habits and brought smiles to our students' faces. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and belief in our mission.","fullyFundedDate":1738970105813,"projectUrl":"project/from-hangry-to-happy-supporting-sel-wit/8995974/","projectTitle":"From Hangry to Happy: Supporting Sel With Healthy Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Muhammad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9318366_orig.jpg?crop=2949,2949,x0,y117&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728410777527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9318366"},{"teacherId":8291236,"projectId":8991014,"letterContent":"OMG!! Your donations really helped my class to practice their reading, and has given many opportunities to build their fluency. They are enjoying the books and the organic moments that I get to create to encourage and foster a love for reading. With your donations I created a book club, and we had a fun experience where I was able to create camp read a lot which was a themed day where we did reading activities all day long and the children loved it. Because of your help and donations you gave 2 classes of 20+ children a boost towards their reading goals, helping to close the gap in literacy for at risk children. We thank you so very much!","fullyFundedDate":1734217009231,"projectUrl":"project/the-magical-path-to-strong-readers/8991014/","projectTitle":"The Magical Path to Strong Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8291236_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679538021940","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8291236"},{"teacherId":7761025,"projectId":6638468,"letterContent":"This project was a major blessing to myself and my students! With your generosity we were able to get the materials needed to have a fun and successful year. We are incredibly grateful for your support and generosity. Your donation is making a real difference, and it means so much to us. Because of you, we're able to continue our work and provide the resources our students need to learn and grow. Thank you for believing in our mission and being a part of our community. These devices have made an incredible impact on my students' learning. They've opened up new ways for us to explore, create, and engage—whether it's through interactive reading apps, hands-on math games, or practicing important digital skills.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly transformed our learning environment. The excitement and curiosity these tools have sparked in my students are inspiring to witness every day. Thank you for helping make learning more meaningful and accessible for every child in our class.","fullyFundedDate":1666027284745,"projectUrl":"project/help-ms-tuckers-class-with-current-tec/6638468/","projectTitle":"Help Ms. Tucker's Class With Current Technology!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tucker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7761025_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659657309007","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7761025"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5477","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":353,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":94,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.1,"schoolId":5477,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Smith Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Smith Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/smith-elementary-school/5477"}