{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Catalpa Early Childhood Center","outOfStateSupporters":14.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9126623,"projectId":9218025,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing one of the most memorable learning experiences of the year to our preschool classroom! Thanks to your generosity, our unit came alive with a complete chick-hatching kit, including a heat lamp, feeders, and food for our chicks.\r\n\r\nOver the 21-day incubation period, our new resources became the heart of our daily routine. Every morning during circle time, the children rushed to check the temperature digital readout, mark our countdown calendar, and gently make sure the incubator was turning the eggs.\r\n\r\nThe highlight of the project was \"candling night.\" Using the high-powered flashlights from the kit in a darkened room, we held the light against the eggshells. The children watched in total awe as they saw tiny heartbeats and shadows moving inside the eggs. When the first chick finally pipped through its shell a few days later, the classroom erupted in quiet cheers. Our students spent the rest of the week observing the fluffy chicks in the brooder, practicing gentle hands, and learning firsthand about responsibility, biology, and empathy.\r\n\r\nthank you for investing in our classroom and inspiring our next generation of curious thinkers!","fullyFundedDate":1746463693362,"projectUrl":"project/egg-citing-learning-chick-hatching/9218025/","projectTitle":"Egg-citing Learning: Chick Hatching","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9126623_orig.jpg?crop=1258,1258,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690732955682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandra-ramirez2024"},{"teacherId":9126623,"projectId":9609542,"letterContent":"When the box containing our new dollhouse and play figures was delivered, my preschoolers could hardly contain their excitement. The room filled with gasps and eager chatter as we unboxed the house, with students wide-eyed and immediately reaching out to explore the tiny rooms, moveable furniture, and diverse family figures. Since that memorable day, the dollhouse has become an indispensable hub for social-emotional learning and imaginative play during our daily center time. My students use the set every single day to act out familiar routines, share roles, negotiate space, and practice cooperative problem-solving alongside their peers.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous support, my students aren't just playing they are learning how to collaborate, communicate, and build empathy every time they step up to the dollhouse.","fullyFundedDate":1758221789243,"projectUrl":"project/a-dollhouse-for-imagination-and-represen/9609542/","projectTitle":"A Dollhouse for Imagination and Representation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9126623_orig.jpg?crop=1258,1258,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690732955682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandra-ramirez2024"},{"teacherId":9126623,"projectId":9934064,"letterContent":"When the bright boxes of new reading materials arrived, my preschool classroom transformed into a hub of pure excitement. The children erupted into cheers, gasped with delight, and immediately gathered on the rug, eager to open the packages. Since that unboxing day, these reading materials have become the heart of our daily routine. We use them during whole-group read-alouds to build core vocabulary and during independent center time, where the students proudly \"read\" the stories to one another and use the felt prices to retell. \r\n\r\nBuilding on this enthusiasm, our class dove into a comprehensive unit on community helpers and storytelling. Using our new resources, the students practiced identifying the characters, setting, and simple plot structures. This project has not only placed books in my students' hands, but it has also ignited a genuine, lifelong love for reading across our entire classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764543274111,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-love-of-reading/9934064/","projectTitle":"Building a Love of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9126623_orig.jpg?crop=1258,1258,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690732955682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandra-ramirez2024"},{"teacherId":2193197,"projectId":10229657,"letterContent":"We have been so inspired by our new art shelf! It can hold so many more materials for us to create with such as beads, pipe cleaners, painted paper, construction paper, mosaic pieces, tissue paper, yarn, and rulers. Ever since it arrived, we have been coming up with new things to add to it! Who knows what we will add next?! Also, clean up is a breeze now that we have a space for everything and know exactly where it needs to go. \r\nWe are so grateful that you decided to donate to this project and enhance not only our learning experience, but those of future students as well. Thank you for supporting our classroom and seeing the value in doing so.","fullyFundedDate":1777908824399,"projectUrl":"project/getting-crafty-with-storage/10229657/","projectTitle":"Getting “Crafty” With Storage","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2193197_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771679257079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missfeldmann"},{"teacherId":2193197,"projectId":10114557,"letterContent":"Our classroom is alive with the sound of music-thanks to you! With your generous donations, we are now able to provide class sets of instruments (and baskets to store them in). The students cannot contain their smiles when the egg shakers, rhythm sticks, drums, and castanets come out. They become so excited to interact with these materials, releasing energy while also learning about musical concepts such as beat and tempo. It has always been my dream to have a classroom that values music and allows students to have the opportunity to engage with music, and you've helped make that possible! Thank you for supporting our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1772547504060,"projectUrl":"project/theres-magic-in-music/10114557/","projectTitle":"There’s Magic in Music!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2193197_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771679257079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missfeldmann"},{"teacherId":2193197,"projectId":10050854,"letterContent":"This discovery table is one of THE COOLEST things in our classroom! My students are obsessed with the 3 tiers it provides, often moving items from one spot to the next, to the next, conveyer belt style. So far, we've transformed the sensory bin portion into a chick hatching station and a coffee bar. And the mirrored table is perfect for Magnatiles! The light table is in constant use-kiddos get to choose which tub of items they want to use with it. (Colored circles, letters, numbers, dominoes, etc.) The best part is the curved nature of its construction, which allows for multiple students to be present at once, either interacting with one another or playing side by side. All of these enriching experiences would not have been possible without your donation. Thank you for enhancing the learning experience for my students and for supporting our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771679639791,"projectUrl":"project/3-cheers-for-3-tiers/10050854/","projectTitle":"3 Cheers for 3-Tiers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2193197_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771679257079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missfeldmann"},{"teacherId":8030424,"projectId":9963415,"letterContent":"the generous contribution that you gave helped my students explore and discover learning through STEM related materials in a hands on and practical manner. They used the sorting trays to organize their groups of materials and demonstrate that they understand how to group items based on similar characteristics. They were also able to use the trays to neatly organize materials. They used the materials when representing ideas, bringing abstract ideas together through concrete materials. They used the lights to explore the relationship that physical properties have when interacting together and the difference between opaque and translucent materials. Open ended materials such as these go a long way in our classroom as their uses are endless.","fullyFundedDate":1766096046700,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-exploration/9963415/","projectTitle":"Sensory Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8030424_orig.png?crop=506,506,x0,y8&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690552441494","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8030424"},{"teacherId":9994825,"projectId":9782069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping fund a light table for our Pre-K classroom. Your support has provided our students with a new way to explore, create, and learn through hands-on discovery.\r\n\r\nThe light table has quickly become a favorite—sparking curiosity, strengthening fine-motor skills, and encouraging collaboration among children. We have recently been using it to create dinosaur habitats for our dinosaur-themed unit. \r\n\r\nWe are very grateful for your kindness and investment in our children and their education.","fullyFundedDate":1760226868031,"projectUrl":"project/light-table-for-little-learners/9782069/","projectTitle":"Light Table for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9994825"},{"teacherId":6780368,"projectId":9620715,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of the contributions! Because of your generosity, we were able to add these shelves to our space, which has made a meaningful difference in how the classroom functions. The shelves have allowed us to organize the extra supplies that students bring, moving items off the floor and onto clearly designated storage areas. This has created a cleaner, safer, and more accessible environment for both students and staff. With supplies properly stored, we now have additional room to display and access educational materials more easily. These improvements have helped create a more organized and effective learning space for everyone. Thanks again!!","fullyFundedDate":1758573322723,"projectUrl":"project/bathroom-shelving/9620715/","projectTitle":"Bathroom Shelving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6780368_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690998197239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6780368"},{"teacherId":6976484,"projectId":9930106,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my preschoolers now have access to joyful nursery-rhyme books and engaging literacy materials that are already making a meaningful impact in our classroom. These resources have transformed everyday moments into rich language experiences, where children sing, repeat familiar rhymes, point to pictures, and eagerly join in shared reading. For my 3-year-olds, learning through rhyme and rhythm makes literacy feel fun, safe, and exciting.\r\n\r\nFor my many multilingual learners, these materials provide visuals, repetition, and clear structure that help children understand and participate even as they are learning English. They allow me to differentiate instruction, reinforce learning through play, and ensure every child can engage meaningfully in early literacy experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting their learning. Without donors like you, this project would not have been possible. Your generosity is helping lay a strong foundation for language, literacy, and lifelong learning, and I am truly grateful for the difference you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764418066785,"projectUrl":"project/read-rhyme-repeat/9930106/","projectTitle":"Read, Rhyme, Repeat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tongta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6976484_orig.jpg?crop=1761,1761,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721340291343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tfox"},{"teacherId":6976484,"projectId":9769618,"letterContent":"The new light exploration materials help my preschoolers learn by turning abstract ideas into something they can see, touch, and experiment with. Using flashlights, mirror blocks, and a projector, children explore how light moves, reflects, and creates shadows while building early science skills through play. For many of my multilingual learners, this technology supports understanding and communication beyond words.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the children most is seeing immediate results! Watching shadows grow and change, light bounce off mirrors, and colors appear as they experimented was so much fun. Their excitement is visible in their smiles, focused attention, and eagerness to try again and again.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this experience possible and for supporting our preschoolers' learning. Your generosity is helping create joyful, meaningful opportunities for children to explore, discover, and grow with confidence!","fullyFundedDate":1761834149051,"projectUrl":"project/shining-bright-exploring-light-through/9769618/","projectTitle":"Shining Bright: Exploring Light Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tongta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6976484_orig.jpg?crop=1761,1761,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721340291343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tfox"},{"teacherId":2193197,"projectId":9428958,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations for our sit and spin and calm strips! They have been such wonderful additions to our classroom space. We created a new movement center for the sit and spin and not a day does by where a student isn't in that center! Afterwards, the children are able to use the colorful calm strips in conjunction with some breathing exercises in order to self-regulate. The positive behaviors we've seen as a result of having these materials in our space is quite beautiful and they wouldn't have been possible without your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1760704943512,"projectUrl":"project/roundabout-regulate/9428958/","projectTitle":"Roundabout & Regulate!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2193197_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771679257079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missfeldmann"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130512","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":73,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":33,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":85.7,"schoolId":130512,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Catalpa Early Childhood Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Catalpa Early Childhood Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/st-cornelius-early-learning-center/130512"}