{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Smith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":10241884,"projectId":9682722,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your recent contribution to our physical education program. Your donation of basketballs, goals, and the coaches' whistles is a significant boost to our athletic department.\r\n\r\nQuality equipment is essential for a safe and productive environment, and your support ensures that our students have access to the very best. We are so grateful to have partners like you who value the importance of youth sports and physical education. You haven't just donated \"stuff\"—you've donated countless hours of exercise, teamwork, and confidence-building. Thank you for investing in our community.","fullyFundedDate":1764623483097,"projectUrl":"project/project-fitness/9682722/","projectTitle":"Project Fitness","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":10066336,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our program. Because of you, my students now have access to water bottles and a speaker that are already making a positive difference in our daily activities. These resources may seem simple, but they play an important role in helping students stay focused, healthy, and fully engaged during learning and movement-based experiences.\r\n\r\nThe speaker has been especially exciting for students because it allows us to clearly hear music, instructions, and rhythm during rehearsals and group activities. Music is a powerful tool for learning, and having reliable sound helps students improve their timing, coordination, and confidence. The water bottles have also helped students stay hydrated and energized, which is essential during long practices and active sessions.\r\n\r\nMy students are truly grateful, and many have already shown increased motivation and excitement during our program time. Your support helps create a stronger, more prepared environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you again for investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1770647670994,"projectUrl":"project/turn-up-the-beat-fuel-the-moves/10066336/","projectTitle":"Turn Up the Beat, Fuel the Moves","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":106158,"projectId":9870294,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our school pantry has become a meaningful source of support for students and families in our school community. Your donation has helped ensure that families have access to essential food items during times of need, and the impact has been both immediate and lasting. \r\nSince the pantry opened, students and families have used it several times for supplemental groceries, weekend food, food during the holidays, and assistance during unexpected financial challenges. Families have shared their gratitude for having a safe, respectful place to access food, and students have benefited from coming to school more focused, less stressed, and ready to learn. For many students, knowing that food is available has eased anxiety and improved engagement. The pantry has strengthened the connection between school and home by showing families that their school is a place of care, support and dignity. \r\nOur next steps with the panty is to continuing to restock and sustain the pantry as items are beginning to dwindle down. Administration and myself are coming up with a schedule to have the pantry available to families weekly. Thank your for believing in our students and families and for making a difference that reaches beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762874367786,"projectUrl":"project/no-student-should-go-hungry-supportin/9870294/","projectTitle":"No Student Should Go Hungry... Supporting Our Families in Need","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":9964559,"letterContent":"The introduction of a dedicated bookcase and a fresh collection of books in a Pre-K classroom acts as a catalyst for both cognitive development and classroom culture. In early childhood environments, the physical accessibility of literacy materials fundamentally changes how children interact with language.\r\n\r\nIn Pre-K, building \"print awareness\" is a critical milestone. A dedicated bookcase allows children to practice self-selection, which is the first step in developing a love for reading.The \"Library\" Habit: Having a designated spot for books teaches children how to care for materials and navigate a shared resource.\r\n\r\nVisual Literacy: Even before they can read words, children use the new books to practice \"picture walks,\" a vital skill where they predict stories based on illustrations.","fullyFundedDate":1767810003847,"projectUrl":"project/please-help-us-with-a-new-bookcase-and-b/9964559/","projectTitle":"Please Help Us With a New Bookcase and Books!","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":3364253,"projectId":8895104,"letterContent":"My players and I were using the equipment on a daily basis with practice and games. We use the amount of balls for different drills. We start with two lines of players. We have about 18 girls on the team. The key drills are sonic, spider girl, and wonder women. With Sonic: Form 2 lines\r\n\r\nRun up to the blue line as fast as you can.\r\n\r\nBack shuffle and hit the ball. With Wonderman: Form a team of 3.\r\n\r\nWhen it's your turn step up on the court and try to return the ball over the net with 1-3 hits.\r\n\r\nWith Spidergirl: Serve the ball against the wall. (1, 2, POW)\r\n\r\nWe will continue adding more drills. We were exciting for our season and we won 3 out of 4 games!","fullyFundedDate":1729827115898,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-victory/8895104/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Victory","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Norwood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3364253"},{"teacherId":3364253,"projectId":9663171,"letterContent":"My players and I were using the equipment on a daily basis with practice and games. We use the amount of balls for different drills. We start with two lines of players. We have about 18 girls on the team. The key drills are sonic, spider girl, and wonder women. With Sonic: Form 2 lines\r\nRun up to the blue line as fast as you can.\r\nBack shuffle and hit the ball. With Wonderman: Form a team of 3.\r\nWhen it's your turn step up on the court and try to return the ball over the net with 1-3 hits.\r\nWith Spidergirl: Serve the ball against the wall. (1, 2, POW)\r\n\r\nWe will continue adding more drills. We were exciting for our season and we won 3 out of 4 games!","fullyFundedDate":1756758883108,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-victory/9663171/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Victory!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Norwood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3364253"},{"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"}],"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":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"}