{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Smyser Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":68.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":9420608,"letterContent":"To build a classroom filled with engagement, safety, and love, my students need the right tools to succeed and thanks to you, they now have them. Having essential supplies readily available removes barriers to learning and ensures that every child, regardless of circumstance, can fully participate in our day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom is stocked with the basics students rely on every day pencils, glue sticks, scissors, and paper along with colorful materials that spark creativity and excitement during hands-on learning. Even more importantly, students now have access to sensory and social-emotional supports like Play-Doh, bracelet-making supplies, and desk pets. These tools help children regulate emotions, stay focused, and feel safe and valued in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThis project has made a meaningful difference for my students. They walk into the classroom knowing they have what they need to learn, create, and express themselves. Your support has helped create a more inclusive, equitable learning environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for helping make our classroom a place where learning feels joyful and every child feels loved.","fullyFundedDate":1757559061438,"projectUrl":"project/helping-build-an-impactful-school-year/9420608/","projectTitle":"Helping Build an Impactful School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"},{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":9440020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our entire 2nd grade team and helping bring hands-on STEM learning to all of our students. Because of your generosity, our classrooms were filled with excitement, creativity, and collaboration as students explored holiday-themed science stations using the building blocks.\r\n\r\nThese materials allowed every child across the grade level to build, design, problem-solve, and create—ensuring that no student missed out on the joy of hands-on learning. The best part was that students were able to take their holiday building blocks home, extending STEM learning beyond the classroom and sparking creativity with their families over Thanksgiving break.\r\n\r\nThe tie-dye kits helped us create a special end-of-year 2nd grade team shirt, strengthening our sense of belonging and celebration. Your support made it possible to offer equitable, joyful learning experiences for all students. Thank you for helping our students' imagination, confidence, and love for STEM grow. We truly are better together!","fullyFundedDate":1757540703032,"projectUrl":"project/stem-ing-away-in-second-grade/9440020/","projectTitle":"Stem-ing Away in Second Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"},{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":9759256,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom plant unit and helping bring hands-on science learning to life for my students. Because of your generosity, our class now has the soil, seeds, containers, spoons, and books needed to fully experience the joy of planting, growing, and caring for living things.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, students were able to plant lima beans and alfalfa seeds, observe changes over time, and record their learning like real scientists. They took ownership of their plants, practiced responsibility through daily care, and made meaningful connections to science standards by seeing plant life cycles firsthand instead of just watching a demonstration.\r\n\r\nThis project sparked curiosity, confidence, and excitement—not just in the classroom, but at home as students shared their observations and discoveries with their families. Thank you for making it possible for every child to actively participate, feel included, and see themselves as capable scientists. Your support has made a lasting impact on our learning community, and we are truly grateful. 🌱💛","fullyFundedDate":1759522938715,"projectUrl":"project/replenishing-our-hands-on-plant-unit/9759256/","projectTitle":"Replenishing Our Hands-On Plant unit","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"},{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":9820407,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and believing in my students. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our daily learning and well-being. Because of you, my students now have essential supplies like pencils, glue sticks, and colored pencils, along with vibrant art materials that make learning hands-on and joyful.\r\n\r\nThe Play-Doh, bracelet beads, and Squishmallow desk pets you helped provide offer comfort and sensory support, helping students stay calm, focused, and emotionally supported throughout the day. These materials allow every child to participate fully, without worrying about what they may be missing.\r\n\r\nMy students and I are incredibly grateful for your kindness. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where children feel loved, included, and excited to learn every day","fullyFundedDate":1763606414761,"projectUrl":"project/sleighing-the-season-with-squishmallows/9820407/","projectTitle":"Sleighing the Season with Squishmallows and Crafts!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"},{"teacherId":2053896,"projectId":9451644,"letterContent":"I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of my students. I am blessed to have taught middle school students for over a decade, and it is truly a privilege. It also comes with great responsibility as this can be a very challenging time in their development. It is hard for them to ask for help, and they are often embarrassed when they do not have necessary supplies. \r\n\r\nThrough your donation, I was able to discreetly give these backpacks to a few of my students who were most in need. It was done in a manner of utmost respect, and I know they sincerely appreciated the help. Sometimes it is the little things that can give my students more hope about kindness in the world. \r\n\r\nI hope you know that you have made a difference and I am profoundly grateful. Best wishes to you always!","fullyFundedDate":1756611133812,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-start-the-year-off-with-fully-su/9451644/","projectTitle":"Help Us Start the Year Off with Fully Supplied Backpacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristin Reina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2053896_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1487363094628","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-reina"},{"teacherId":10077219,"projectId":9459202,"letterContent":"Dear DonorsChoose Supporters,\r\n\r\nI want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and for being a part of building our 5th grade classroom. Because of your thoughtful donations, I was able to purchase books that helped grow and enrich our classroom library, giving students more opportunities to explore, imagine, and learn.\r\n\r\nThe high-top tables and stools you helped fund have created flexible seating options that support student comfort and collaboration. These additions have transformed our learning space into a place where students feel excited, engaged, and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nYour support also made it possible to obtain essential teaching materials—such as posters and board accessories—that have brought more color, energy, and creativity into our classroom environment. These resources allow me to create a more vibrant and inspiring space for all students.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the lamps and twinkling lights around our classroom have created a whimsical and calming atmosphere. Students often comment on how cozy and inviting the space feels, and it has truly enhanced the overall classroom mood.\r\n\r\nThe classroom hanging folders have also made a big difference. They help students take responsibility through classroom jobs and allow them to easily see our daily schedule and routines. This visual support helps keep our classroom organized and encourages independence.\r\n\r\nThe funds you provided have truly benefited the quality of education I can offer my students. Your generosity gives me the flexibility to use the materials I've been able to purchase in ways that best support learning, creativity, and student engagement.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for making a meaningful difference in the daily learning experiences of my students. Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1753985537373,"projectUrl":"project/room-to-grow-a-5th-grade-journey/9459202/","projectTitle":"Room to Grow: a 5th Grade Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cuatchon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10077219_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y455&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752502279019","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10077219"},{"teacherId":1431690,"projectId":9507988,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your donation to my classroom. I love to do projects with my students and many times we run out of materials because they get used repeatedly. The fine tip black markers are a great hit with adding vibrant touches to their activities. I tell my students that when we put up any kind of art work with writing, we need to write with bold black letters. This way, it can be seen from a farther distance. This makes our bulletin boards look amazing!\r\n\r\n Also, materials like an electric sharper and a new stapler are so helpful for everyone. These resources are always needed because they break all the time. Students love to help me put up their work on my bulletin boards and having extra staplers come in so handy. We use our electric stapler all day and the students really appreciate a nice sharpened pencil before they start math class. Some students like to use their own personal sharpener, which can cause a mess. This also prevents tons of pencil shavings on the floor at the end of the school day. Once again, we are so grateful for your generosity and kind heart to donate to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755871948843,"projectUrl":"project/project-fun/9507988/","projectTitle":"Project Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1431690_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753729419511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandy-chan"},{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":7331103,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Your extraordinary generosity in fully funding our project, \"Help my students share a year of supplies,\" has truly touched our classroom. Because of you, our students are starting the year not just with the classroom basics they need, but with a palpable sense of warmth, belonging, and excitement for learning.\r\n\r\nHaving these essential materials readily available means our students can be fully immersed in hands-on projects, keeping their learning vibrant and engaging. This directly supports their social-emotional needs and ensures equality for all, allowing every child to participate without a second thought.","fullyFundedDate":1683809810715,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-environment-with-equity-in-s/7331103/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Environment With Equity in Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"},{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":8242669,"letterContent":"The winter season definitely took a toll on our supplies, but thanks to you, our classroom is now fully stocked with pencils, glue sticks, Kleenex, Clorox Wipes, and folders! The new paper towels and cleaning spray are especially vital in helping us stay germ-free and healthy, allowing us to focus on learning without interruption. Having these materials readily available not only keeps us clean but also establishes equality for all learners, ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1709432219440,"projectUrl":"project/sprucing-up-our-classroom-basics/8242669/","projectTitle":"Sprucing Up Our Classroom Basics!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"},{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":9016483,"letterContent":"We're writing with so much joy and gratitude to share that our Valentine's Day festivities for the entire 2nd grade team were a huge success, all thanks to your incredible generosity! Because of your support, every student had the opportunity to participate fully in a day filled with creativity, STEM fun, and a little extra love.\r\n\r\nYour donations made it possible for our students to decorate their own Valentine's Day bags using white handled bags, glitter hearts, stickers, and doilies – a truly memorable keepsake for their treats. They also loved making keychains for someone special and diving into a fantastic STEM project by creating bouncy balls. The \"pop-it\" treats were the perfect cherry on top, bringing smiles to all their faces!","fullyFundedDate":1737043474968,"projectUrl":"project/a-valentines-day-to-remember/9016483/","projectTitle":"A Valentine's Day to Remember!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"},{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":9016290,"letterContent":"The excitement in our second-grade classrooms is already palpable as students anticipate choosing a book like \"Chrysanthemum,\" \"Lily's Purple Plastic Purse,\" \"Wemberly Worried,\" \"The Pigeon Has To GO TO School!\" or \"Waiting Is Not Easy!\" This voice and choice in selecting the book that best represents their class is invaluable, fostering ownership and deeper connection to the social-emotional themes within each story.\r\n\r\nBeyond the plays, these books will significantly enrich our classroom libraries, providing windows of exploration for all learners. We're especially thrilled about the Spanish version of \"Lily's Plastic Purple Purse,\" ensuring our diverse learners have access to stories in their native language. The provided construction paper and tape allowed our students to unleash their creativity, designing thei mouse ears.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and providing them with these powerful tools for social-emotional growth and artistic expression. Your support truly makes a difference in their learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1738837567779,"projectUrl":"project/some-new-books-for-an-sel-play-in-2nd-gr/9016290/","projectTitle":"Some New Books For An SEL Play In 2nd Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"},{"teacherId":1419092,"projectId":8294112,"letterContent":"We're writing to express our immense gratitude for your generous support of our project, \"Butterfly Magic for 2nd Grade!\" Thanks to your kindness, we were able to purchase three butterfly kits, allowing every second-grade student to witness the incredible butterfly life cycle up close.\r\n\r\nOur students are absolutely buzzing with excitement to observe the caterpillars transform into chrysalises and then emerge as beautiful butterflies. This hands-on experience is an invaluable way to bring our science curriculum to life, fostering a deeper understanding of metamorphosis and the natural world.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has truly made a difference in enriching our students' learning and sparking their curiosity. We're so grateful for your commitment to providing engaging and memorable educational opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1713734875383,"projectUrl":"project/butterfly-magic-for-2nd-grade/8294112/","projectTitle":"Butterfly Magic for 2nd Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Binyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1419092_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657585309385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agikas"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5321","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":758,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":63,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":31.8,"schoolId":5321,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Smyser Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Smyser Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/smyser-elementary-school/5321"}