{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Tarkington School of Excellence","outOfStateSupporters":36.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2402878,"projectId":9242633,"letterContent":"If you are reading this, it is probably because you share a deep love for books. In our K-4th grade intervention classroom, we share that exact same passion—but for my students, the journey to becoming lifelong readers looks a little bit different.\r\n\r\nMany of these brilliant children come to my room because reading hasn't come easily to them yet. Before your generous gift arrived, our shelves were a bit sparse, and finding the right book at the right level felt like a hurdle. Now, because of you, our classroom is buzzing with new energy.\r\n\r\nWhat Reading Looks Like Now\r\nIn an intervention setting, reading is a very active, hands-on experience. We don't just sit quietly and turn pages; we decode, we predict, and we celebrate every single win.\r\n\r\nWith your books, our daily routine has completely transformed. These texts are specifically designed to bridge critical gaps. We are using them to target essential literacy skills, such as:\r\n\r\nPhonics and Decoding: Helping our youngest learners match sounds to letters.\r\n\r\nFluency: Building confidence so students can read smoothly, rather than word-by-word.\r\n\r\nComprehension: Teaching them how to track a plot, understand a character's motives, and connect the story to their own lives.\r\n\r\nThe Impact in Action\r\nThe true magic of your donation lies in the specific breakthroughs I get to witness every day. I want to tell you about one of my second graders. For months, he viewed reading as a chore and would often disengage. The day our new box arrived, his eyes lit up. He found a book from the new collection that perfectly matched his reading level while matching his high-interest maturity. For the first time all year, he read an entire book from cover to cover, looked up at me with a massive grin, and asked, \"Can I read the next one?\"\r\n\r\nMoments like that are exactly what your generosity created. You didn't just buy paper and ink; you bought confidence. You provided the exact tools these students needed to realize that they can do hard things, and that they are readers.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom, understanding the power of targeted literacy, and choosing to be the spark that ignites a love for reading in these wonderful kids.\r\n\r\nWith deepest gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1745969391453,"projectUrl":"project/bring-back-books/9242633/","projectTitle":"Bring Back Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2402878_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474282125011","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2402878"},{"teacherId":6560662,"projectId":10050328,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been able to use vibrant color copy paper in meaningful ways every day. Students are using different colors for writing drafts, graphic organizers, and reading responses, which helps them clearly organize their thinking. One standout moment was during a reading lesson when students used color-coded organizers to break down a story—suddenly, their ideas were clearer, and their confidence noticeably grew as they shared their responses.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were excited and immediately engaged. The simple addition of color made everyday tasks feel new and motivating. They were eager to choose colors for their work and took more pride in keeping their papers neat and organized. It has especially helped students who benefit from visual structure stay focused and follow directions more independently.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue using these materials this year and beyond to strengthen their reading comprehension and writing skills through projects, literacy centers, and small group work. Your support has made a lasting impact by turning simple supplies into powerful learning tools that support growth, confidence, and success in Language Arts.","fullyFundedDate":1771675613894,"projectUrl":"project/simple-supplies-big-impact-learning-in/10050328/","projectTitle":"Simple Supplies, Big Impact: Learning in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Klaassen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6560662_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589321092300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6560662"},{"teacherId":10319567,"projectId":9843567,"letterContent":"The new resources have completely transformed the energy in our classroom, making it a space where students truly feel at home. When the students first saw the deep blue curtains, their faces lit up with excitement; one student even beamed, sharing that blue is her absolute favorite color. The addition of the sleek black chair covers has not only unified the look of the room but has also provided a functional boost to our daily routine. The students were thrilled to discover the built-in pouches, which give them a dedicated, safe spot to store their iPads during transitions, keeping our workspace organized and focused.\r\n\r\nWith these foundational pieces in place, we are now utilizing our new laminating sheets to create durable, long-lasting learning centers and reference materials that the students can use every day. Having these resources allows us to build a more interactive environment where materials survive the \"wear and tear\" of active learning. Our next step is to integrate the rest of our incoming supplies into a collaborative group project where students will use their newly organized stations to conduct research. We are so grateful for your support, and we can't wait to see how the rest of these supplies will continue to inspire our scholars!","fullyFundedDate":1765205054457,"projectUrl":"project/where-spanish-and-english-grow-together/9843567/","projectTitle":"Where Spanish and English Grow Together","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10319567_orig.png?crop=401,402,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760731261149","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10319567"},{"teacherId":6560662,"projectId":9457472,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now receive a **weekly Scholastic News magazine** for the entire school year. These engaging resources bring current events, science, and social studies topics to life in ways that are both age-appropriate and exciting. Each issue sparks meaningful discussions, builds background knowledge, and connects directly to our reading standards. Even more, students are able to take their copies home every friday, allowing them to **grow their personal libraries** and share what they've learned with their families.\r\n\r\nThis project has made a real difference in growing both a love of reading and an awareness of the world beyond our classroom. Many of my students do not have access to magazines or nonfiction texts at home, so this opportunity opens doors to new learning and perspectives. The articles challenge their thinking, encourage them to ask questions, and give them the tools to better understand the world around them.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided high-quality reading material but has also inspired a sense of curiosity and excitement for learning. On behalf of my students and myself, thank you for investing in their growth and helping to feed young minds with knowledge and joy.","fullyFundedDate":1753541196374,"projectUrl":"project/reading-pleasing-and-feeding-young-mind/9457472/","projectTitle":"Reading: Pleasing and Feeding Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Klaassen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6560662_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589321092300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6560662"},{"teacherId":9916617,"projectId":9099355,"letterContent":"I wish I could show you the gleaming faces of excitement from the little ones! They were so excited to see so many boxes. These donations revolutionized their STEM experiences, as we were lucky to receive magnet tiles and a marble run. They have made many amazing things -- apartments, space ships, etc.\r\n\r\nMore so, their literacy center times have improved so much! Kindergarten-aged children learn through play! We had so many CVC and CVCC-based center items -- they loved them! \r\n\r\nA new batch of children will experience them once we get to those units. \r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, \r\n\r\nThank you. \r\n\r\nThank you for showing them there is a village behind them. Thank you for showing them they are worth all the cool learning stuff. Thank you for showing them that learning is fun!","fullyFundedDate":1745970165828,"projectUrl":"project/chicago-proud-little-ones/9099355/","projectTitle":"Chicago Proud Little Ones","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alejandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9916617"},{"teacherId":3232661,"projectId":9579210,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of you, our students now have noise-canceling headphones for personalized learning and cozy floor cushions for group work. This project has truly transformed our learning environment, and I can't wait to share the impact with you.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors use technology at home but are not as knowledgeable as we are about how it's used in schools. Our new headphones have been a game-changer for personalized learning and assessments. Technology helps me provide each student with a learning path tailored to their needs. The headphones allow them to focus on their individual tasks without distractions, whether they're working on a reading comprehension program or completing a math assessment. \r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this new equipment for the students is definitely the freedom and comfort it provides. While the headphones help them focus, the cushions are an instant source of joy. They love being able to choose a comfortable spot on the floor for reading time, group projects, or simply to get a new perspective. The students affectionately call the cushions \"comfy spots,\" and the ability to get up and move around while still being engaged is a huge motivator.\r\n\r\nWhile all the students have warmed to the new technology and cushions, there is one student in particular who has especially benefited from the cushions. I have a student who sometimes struggles with focusing in a traditional desk setting. He was one of the first to grab a cushion, and I've seen a noticeable improvement in his ability to stay engaged and participate in group work. The cushions provide a sense of personal space and comfort that helps him feel secure and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible. You have given our students the tools they need to succeed and a tangible reminder that people believe in them. Your support means the world to us.\r\n\r\nWith immense gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1755736370483,"projectUrl":"project/headphone-haul-and-comfy-cushions/9579210/","projectTitle":"Headphone Haul and Comfy Cushions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Otto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3232661_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721695800605","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3232661"},{"teacherId":2402878,"projectId":8051007,"letterContent":"If you think back to your own favorite learning moments, they probably didn't involve sitting perfectly still at a desk. For kids—especially the K-4th grade intervention students I teach—learning is something you have to feel, move, and touch.\r\n\r\nMy students face unique learning hurdles, and traditional paper-and-pencil tasks can quickly lead to frustration or sensory overload. When kids are anxious or overwhelmed, their brains simply aren't ready to absorb new information. That is exactly why your generous donation of sensory supports and hands-on learning tools is such a game-changer for us.\r\n\r\nSensory Tools in Action\r\nIn our intervention room, tools like playdough, puppets, letter magnets, and math puzzles aren't rewards for after the work is done—they are the work. You have helped us build a tactile environment where complex concepts become concrete.\r\n\r\nHere is how your gifts are transforming our daily lessons:\r\n\r\nTactile Literacy: Students are using the letter magnets to physically build, break apart, and manipulate sounds to blend words. Squishing playdough to form tricky vowel shapes turns abstract letters into a memorable physical experience.\r\n\r\nSocial-Emotional and Language Skills: Our new puppets give students a safe, creative outlet to practice speech, express difficult emotions, and act out social scenarios or story plots.\r\n\r\nSpatial and Math Reasoning: The math puzzles turn abstract numbers into physical shapes. Instead of staring blankly at equations, students can physically see how pieces fit together to solve a problem.\r\n\r\nThe Real-World Impact\r\nThe difference these tools make is immediate and profound. Just last week, one of my first-grade students was having an incredibly difficult morning, completely overwhelmed and unable to focus on his reading lesson. I handed him the playdough to squeeze while we talked, and within minutes, his shoulders dropped and his breathing regulated. We then used the letter magnets to practice his spelling words. Because his hands were engaged, his brain was able to settle down and focus. He left my room feeling successful instead of defeated.\r\n\r\nYou have provided the vital missing pieces that allow my students to regulate their sensory needs so they can unlock their academic potential. Thank you for recognizing that learning takes many different shapes, and for investing so beautifully in these kids.","fullyFundedDate":1701181504481,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-supports-to-learn-to-read/8051007/","projectTitle":"Sensory Supports to learn to read!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2402878_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474282125011","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2402878"},{"teacherId":2402878,"projectId":4878646,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing our first-grade classroom with these incredible new books. Because of your generosity, our reading corner has been completely transformed, and my students are growing into confident, joyful readers every single day.\r\n\r\nFor a six- or seven-year-old, learning to read is a complex journey. While many of us love simply getting lost in a good story, teaching young children how to read requires very specific tools. The texts you funded introduced critical foundational skills that our young learners need most. We have been using these new books to practice decoding complex vowel teams, mastering tricky sight words, and building reading fluency. Instead of guessing at words based just on the pictures, these books encourage students to sound them out, bridging the gap between letters and meaning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your gift, reading time in our classroom is vibrant and full of energy. If you walked into our room today, you would see students partner-reading on the rug, pointing to text, giggling at funny character dialogue, and proudly showing off their progress. They are no longer intimidated by opening a book; instead, they view it as an exciting adventure.\r\n\r\nOne particular student comes to mind when I think of the impact you've made. At the beginning of the year, he lacked confidence and would often shut down during reading time. The day these books arrived, he found a high-interest text about animals that was at his exact reading level. The pride on his face when he read the entire book independently was unforgettable. Now, he is the first one to volunteer to read aloud!\r\n\r\nYour support did more than just fill our shelves; you gave my first graders the gift of literacy and the confidence to grow. Thank you for investing in their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1588689306782,"projectUrl":"project/help-7-year-olds-learn-and-grow-at-home/4878646/","projectTitle":"Help 7 Year Olds Learn and Grow at Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2402878_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474282125011","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2402878"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5960","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":788,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":82,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.5,"schoolId":5960,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Tarkington School of Excellence on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Tarkington School of Excellence","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/tarkington-school-of-excellence/5960"}