{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Smith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10348859,"projectId":9905500,"letterContent":"What excites my students most is the independence, comfort, and focus these resources provide. Middle schoolers thrive when they feel empowered, and having access to comfortable floor pillows alongside their tech makes the classroom feel like a modern, welcoming workspace tailored to them.\r\n\r\nThey love grabbing a set of earbuds, grabbing a pillow to set up a spot on the floor, and instantly tuning out distractions to dive into their assignments. It turns standard digital science lessons into a cozy, independent \"lab session\" where they feel trusted and respected as learners.","fullyFundedDate":1763507103787,"projectUrl":"project/from-curiosity-to-creation-bringing-tec/9905500/","projectTitle":"From Curiosity to Creation: Bringing Technology to Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10348859_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763504312938","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10348859"},{"teacherId":10348859,"projectId":9891764,"letterContent":"The food and drinks from this project have truly transformed the daily environment in our middle school science classroom. Having these pantry staples readily available ensures that basic needs are met before learning even begins.\r\nA specific moment that stands out occurred during a recent multi-day, hands-on ecosystem modeling project. A few of my students came into class feeling drained and unable to focus on their group work. Being able to offer them a quick, nutritious snack and a drink immediately shifted their energy and mindset. Instead of sitting out or struggling through the period, they were able to actively engage with their team, build their models, and participate in classroom discussions with confidence and focus\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived and were unpacked, the reaction was pure relief and excitement. Middle schoolers can often be self-conscious about being hungry during the day, so seeing a dedicated, well-stocked area in our classroom made them feel safe, cared for, and valued. Several students expressed genuine gratitude, commenting on how nice it was to know that snacks were there if they ever needed extra fuel during the day. It instantly built a deeper sense of community and care in our room.\r\n\r\nNow that basic needs are consistently supported, my students are diving deeper into our upcoming science unit focused on interactive investigations and data analysis. As we move into our next round of hands-on lab experiments, students will be collaborating in teams to collect evidence, build visual models, and track their scientific thinking in interactive notebooks. Because their energy levels and focus are supported, they are well-prepared to tackle these rigorous STEM projects and take ownership of their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1763490196424,"projectUrl":"project/no-child-can-learn-on-an-empty-stomach/9891764/","projectTitle":"No Child Can Learn on an Empty Stomach","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10348859_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763504312938","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10348859"},{"teacherId":9428242,"projectId":9965419,"letterContent":"Our new resources have become an important part of our daily classroom routine. The snacks are available for students who need a little extra fuel during the day, helping them stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn. One memorable moment was during a literacy center when a student who had been struggling to concentrate enjoyed a healthy snack and was able to rejoin the activity with a smile and renewed energy. It was a simple reminder of how meeting basic needs can make a big difference in learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the snacks and classroom supplies, they were excited and grateful. Their smiles and excitement showed how much these resources meant to them. Knowing that they had what they needed helped them feel cared for and ready to participate in classroom activities.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these resources will support our literacy, math, science, and art activities every day. Having snacks available helps students remain focused during small-group instruction, hands-on centers, and collaborative learning experiences. Your generosity has created a classroom where students can concentrate on learning, build confidence, and continue growing academically and socially. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of my little learners!","fullyFundedDate":1774963591492,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-little-learners-for-big-days/9965419/","projectTitle":"Fueling Little Learners for Big Days","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9428242_orig.jpg?crop=543,543,x0,y34&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704820083482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9428242"},{"teacherId":106158,"projectId":9972045,"letterContent":"Thank You for Bringing Comfort and Dignity to Our School!\r\nI am writing to share a heartfelt update on how your incredible generosity is transforming our school community. Thanks to your support, our hygiene pantry is fully stocked with essentials like deodorant, toothpaste, soap, and feminine hygiene products, and the impact was immediate. When the boxes first arrived and we unpacked the supplies, the reaction from the students was a mix of immense relief and quiet excitement. I made students aware that these items for them to take as they needed them. I told them to let other students know that these items were available as well. Students know exactly where to find the items, allowing them to grab what they need without any embarrassment. The school year is over, but items will still be available for students in the summer as well since the school will be hosting a camp. It is my desire to continue with this program in the fall. I desire to expand the storage items that can be used to house toiletries for students.","fullyFundedDate":1776293502253,"projectUrl":"project/clean-starts-confident-students/9972045/","projectTitle":"Clean Starts, Confident Students","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":10201964,"letterContent":"We are absolutely thrilled to express our sincerest gratitude for your recent donation of sports and outdoor equipment! Your generous gift of assorted balls, a high-quality air pump, and durable storage totes has instantly energized our activities and brought massive smiles to everyone we serve.\r\n\r\nIt is often said that the simplest tools bring the greatest joy, and your donation is a perfect example. While it might look like a collection of gear to some, to us, it represents endless hours of healthy fun, community building, and active play.\r\n\r\nThe Immediate Impact of Your Gift\r\nBefore your donation, a lot of our outdoor time involved scrambling for matching gear or dealing with worn-out equipment that cut our games short. Your kindness has single-handedly transformed our playtime. Here is how your generosity is making a daily impact:\r\n\r\nThe Activity Balls: From soccer and basketball to playground games, these have sparked instant movement, teamwork, and healthy competition. They are already getting plenty of mileage and helping our participants develop physical skills and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe Air Pump: This is the unsung hero of your donation! Having a reliable, high-quality pump means we can maintain our gear instantly. No more deflated soccer balls or flat basketballs putting a pause on our momentum. The games can now keep rolling without interruption.\r\n\r\nThe Storage Totes: While organization might seem simple, it is absolutely vital for us. These heavy-duty totes ensure that our new gear stays protected from the elements, organized, and incredibly easy to transport. We can now pack up the fun and take it wherever adventure leads us.","fullyFundedDate":1779860546288,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-equipment/10201964/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Equipment!","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":10241884,"projectId":10101438,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation of the outdoor equipment! Thanks to your support, we are now fully equipped for our upcoming activities and can't wait to get everyone outside.\r\n\r\nYour contribution does so much more than just provide gear—it opens the door to new experiences, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for nature. We are so lucky to have you in our community. High-quality gear is essential for the success and safety of our outdoor programs, and your donation directly impacts our ability to deliver high-quality experiences. Because of your generosity, we can continue to foster a love for the outdoors and promote healthy, active lifestyles.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our mission and our community.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible!\r\n\r\nWarmly,","fullyFundedDate":1779084425367,"projectUrl":"project/new-gym-equipment-for-gym/10101438/","projectTitle":"New Gym Equipment for Gym!","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10241884"},{"teacherId":7494804,"projectId":10090327,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Fueling Dreams\" project and helping provide snacks for our students. Your generosity has made a huge difference in our program. Our students were extremely excited and grateful when they saw the snacks arrive. Many of them immediately expressed appreciation and felt supported knowing people believed in them and cared about their well-being. Having snacks available during long dance practices and leadership activities has helped students stay energized, focused, and motivated throughout the day.\r\n\r\n We have been using the snacks during rehearsals, team-building activities, and creative workshops where students spend hours practicing choreography, collaborating, and preparing performances. One special moment was seeing students encourage one another while sharing snacks during breaks and continuing to practice with more energy and positivity. The snacks have created a more comfortable and welcoming environment where students can focus on learning, teamwork, and building confidence instead of worrying about being hungry.\r\n\r\n Because of your support, our students are continuing to grow as dancers, leaders, and role models. We are now preparing for upcoming performances, leadership projects, and creative activities that will allow students to showcase their hard work and talents. Thank you again for investing in our students and helping us continue to create a positive and supportive space for them to learn and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1778034258216,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-dreams-one-snack-at-a-time/10090327/","projectTitle":"Fueling Dreams One Snack at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7494804_orig.jpg?crop=3249,3249,x440,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769357919339","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7494804"},{"teacherId":3364253,"projectId":9857335,"letterContent":"I told the students that something was coming in the mail. They were super excited! We sent a few students with the teacher's assistant to retrieve the items. They looked in the box and the end table had to be put together. They really loved putting something together. \r\nMy students love the new calm down corner. They have reflection sheets and different ways to calm down in the bin. \r\n\r\nThey also sit on the comfortable blue chair and use the timer to complete the entire process. They first start off reading the sign and then return back to class when they are done calming down.","fullyFundedDate":1767241473376,"projectUrl":"project/calm-down-corner/9857335/","projectTitle":"Calm Down Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Norwood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3364253"},{"teacherId":3744736,"projectId":10091987,"letterContent":"That is such a wonderful upgrade for a Pre-K room! A bigger carpet isn't just \"decor\"—it's the heart of the classroom where all the magic happens, from morning meetings to epic block builds. \r\n \r\nOn behalf of the students in room 119, I want to extend a huge thank you for your generous donation toward our new classroom carpet.\r\n\r\nIn a Pre-K world, the carpet is our \"home base.\" It's where we gather for morning songs, dive into picture books, and learn how to navigate our first friendships. Before your gift, our space felt a little cramped, but now, every child has their own \"spot\" to grow, wiggle, and learn comfortably.\r\n\r\nSeeing their faces light up when they saw the new, spacious rug was a highlight of our year. Thank you for investing in our littlest learners and for making our classroom a warmer, more welcoming place to be.","fullyFundedDate":1774963830965,"projectUrl":"project/bigger-rug/10091987/","projectTitle":"Bigger Rug","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":9944150,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of a new classroom computer and printer. These aren't just pieces of hardware; they are essential tools that will fundamentally change how my students learn and how I teach.\r\n\r\nWith this new setup, I can now:\r\n\r\nPersonalize Learning: Quickly print tailored worksheets and reading materials for students at different levels.\r\n\r\nInteractive Lessons: Access and display digital resources and educational games with speed and reliability.\r\n\r\nCelebrate Success: Print out student work and \"Certificates of Achievement\" to display on our walls instantly.\r\n\r\nYour support directly reduces the barriers to technology in our classroom, ensuring our students have the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for your incredible kindness.\r\n\r\nWarmly,","fullyFundedDate":1769180655949,"projectUrl":"project/new-computer-and-printer/9944150/","projectTitle":"New Computer and Printer","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":9428242,"projectId":9965415,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our \"Little Hands, Big Ideas\" project to life. Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom, and I am so grateful to share the impact you've made on my students each and every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we received incredible resources, including a projector, a laminator, multiple packs of laminating sheets in various sizes, and a paper cutter. These tools have completely elevated the way my students learn, create, and engage with our lessons.\r\n\r\nThe projector has quickly become one of the most exciting additions to our classroom. My students light up when I use it to display vibrant visuals, model art techniques, and share examples of artwork. It allows me to guide them step-by-step in a way that is clear, engaging, and accessible for all learners. One special moment that stood out was when we followed along with a projected drawing activity together—every student was focused, confident, and proud of what they created. It truly brought our learning to life.\r\n\r\nThe laminator and laminating sheets have also made a huge difference. I've been able to create durable, reusable materials that support hands-on learning. From visual aids and tracing sheets to reusable art templates and student work displays, these materials have helped my students practice skills over and over again without frustration. My students especially love seeing their artwork laminated—it gives them a sense of pride and shows them that their work is valued and worth preserving.\r\n\r\nThe variety of laminating sheet sizes has allowed us to explore different types of projects, from small hands-on activities to larger creative pieces. The paper cutter has helped me prepare materials quickly and efficiently, allowing me to spend more time focused on teaching and connecting with my students.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful changes I've noticed is in my students' confidence and independence. They are more willing to try new things, share their ideas, and take ownership of their learning. During a recent activity, I watched as students used laminated materials independently, helping one another and engaging deeply in their work. These are the kinds of moments that remind me how powerful your support truly is.\r\n\r\nYour donation has created a classroom environment that is engaging, organized, and full of opportunity. More importantly, it has shown my students that there are people who believe in them and care about their education. That message is something they will carry with them far beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students, their creativity, and their future. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1766148367220,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-ideas/9965415/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Ideas","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9428242_orig.jpg?crop=543,543,x0,y34&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704820083482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9428242"},{"teacherId":8291236,"projectId":9609697,"letterContent":"I am excited to share with you how your donations blessed my students in our classroom so much. I was on an unexpected FMLA when the items came in initially. Once I returned back to work one of the ways to begin rebuilding my connections and trust with my young kindergarteners was to provide as many real moments with them as possible so that we can have moments where we share, laugh and build trust in me, their teacher again due to having to leave that was interrupted and kids have to rebuild trust and connections in order to learn from me. So one way to connect was to open the packages with them and discuss how we were going to use the items ordered. I shared my ideas and they shared theirs. It was cool because we pretty much had the same ideas. They were so thrilled to have the couch in our reading nook and they love using it during our independent reading time and our center. \r\n If you were to peek into our classroom you would be inspired and impressed to see 5 and 6 year olds learning the map and enjoying great stories and books on our new couch in our book nook. You would see real 5 and 6 year olds concentrating, laughing at a good story, and sharing curious moments about the map puzzles. You would see problem solving and more. It's because of you that they can stretch their knowledge and feel proud and comfortable while they learn in their classroom. Thank you all so very much!","fullyFundedDate":1763606412220,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-class-will-stretch-their-minds/9609697/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Class Will Stretch Their Minds","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5477","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":340,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":95,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.4,"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"}