{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monarcas Academy","outOfStateSupporters":32.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8732104,"projectId":10101646,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible support, our \"Mindful Makers\" project has successfully transformed our classroom into a vibrant Compassion Workshop where art supplies and colorful stationery serve as the essential tools for building deep empathy. When the boxes arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled, with audible gasps filling the room as they realized these beautiful, professional-grade materials were theirs to use. Knowing that donors like you believe in their potential gave our young leaders an immediate sense of pride and responsibility. They quickly realized they weren't just completing a routine school assignment, but were being trusted to create meaningful, high-quality work to support and uplift their community.\r\nWe immediately channeled this excitement into our first official \"Perspective Exchange\" project, where students interviewed community members including school staff to understand their daily joys and challenges. Using the new mediums, students stepped into the shoes of others to create stunning Identity Portraits and Perspective Journals. In one profound classroom moment, a student who typically struggles with emotional expression used the new paint markers to beautifully illustrate a staff members transition from an exhausting day to the relief of sunrise, capturing her point of view with incredible maturity. By writing and drawing from another person's perspective, our students are successfully moving beyond their own experiences to deeply understand the lives of others.\r\nMoving forward, our students are transitioning into the direct-action phase of the curriculum by using the remaining stationery to craft customized hand-made cards for their peers. Guided by our \"Pillar 3: Monitoring for Learning\" framework, students will use a Compassion Criteria Checklist to self-assess and ensure their designs precisely target and alleviate specific emotional needs.","fullyFundedDate":1771619424283,"projectUrl":"project/the-compassion-connection-crafting-kind/10101646/","projectTitle":"The Compassion Connection: Crafting Kindness for Our Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8732104_orig.jpg?crop=714,714,x255,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769462052431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-irma1"},{"teacherId":8893796,"projectId":10012120,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Because of your support, my students now have access to essential resources that have completely transformed our daily learning environment. We have been using the new copy paper and writing tools to dive deeper into our curriculum, while the cleaning supplies have helped us maintain a healthy, organized space where everyone feels ready to learn.\r\nThe moment the packages arrived was unforgettable. When I first opened the boxes to reveal the fresh packs of markers, colored pencils, and dry erase markers, the room erupted in cheers. One student immediately asked if we could start our art project \"right this second.\" Seeing their faces light up with pure excitement reminded me how much it means to them to know that people like you believe in their education and want them to have the best tools possible.","fullyFundedDate":1778017631868,"projectUrl":"project/finishing-our-year-off-strong/10012120/","projectTitle":"Finishing Our Year Off Strong","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McGee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893796_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694129606080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8893796"},{"teacherId":8732104,"projectId":10078686,"letterContent":"The new resources have turned our classroom into a \"Wellness Hub\" where my first graders are truly blossoming as leaders. We recently kicked off our first \"Mindful Mentors\" outreach, where my students took their wobble chairs to a neighboring Kindergarten class to demonstrate \"active sitting.\" It was a powerful moment to watch a six-year-old explain to a younger peer how to use the chair's movement to calm their body and \"wake up\" their brain for a story. Simultaneously, during our Gratitude Circles, my students have been using their new journals to model reflective drawing. One student, who used to struggle with expressing frustration, proudly showed a peer his journal entry where he drew a \"sunshine moment,\" teaching the younger student how to focus on the good parts of their day.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the classroom was buzzing with a mix of awe and a serious sense of responsibility. My students didn't just see \"cool new chairs\"; they saw the tools they needed to fulfill their mission as mentors. They were eager to practice their demonstrations, sitting tall on the wobble chairs and carefully labeling the first pages of their journals with a sense of pride. They realized that because of your generosity, they now have the \"official equipment\" to help the rest of the school. It shifted their mindset from being students who just follow rules to being community leaders who are responsible for the well-being of their friends and neighbors.","fullyFundedDate":1771365538679,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-mentors-a-student-led-wellness/10078686/","projectTitle":"Mindful Mentors: A Student-Led Wellness Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8732104_orig.jpg?crop=714,714,x255,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769462052431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-irma1"},{"teacherId":8732104,"projectId":10066083,"letterContent":"The new seats and headphones have made our reading and writing time so much better! Before, it was hard for some of my students to sit still and focus on their stories. Now, I see them using their wobble cushions to wiggle while they work, which helps their brains stay on the page. One student who used to have a hard time writing even a few words was able to sit and write a whole story because his cushion helped him stay calm. The noise-canceling headphones are also a big hit because they help students stay in a \"quiet bubble\" so they don't get distracted by noises in the room.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, the kids were so happy! They felt special knowing that these tools were picked out just for them. We talked about how everyone's body needs different things to learn best. They weren't just excited to play; they were relieved to have things that help them feel comfortable. Now, instead of feeling frustrated because they need to move, they feel like \"learning superheroes\" who have exactly what they need to do their best work.\r\n\r\nNext, we are going to use our new focus tools to write big book reports. Writing a long report can be tough, but now that the students have their fidgets and cushions, they feel ready to take on the challenge! We are going to spend the next few weeks reading deeply and sharing our ideas with each other. Because of your kind gift, my students aren't worried about sitting still anymore, they are just excited to learn and grow. Thank you for making our classroom such a happy place!","fullyFundedDate":1770393335828,"projectUrl":"project/focus-and-flow-sensory-tools-for-engage/10066083/","projectTitle":"Focus and Flow: Sensory Tools for Engaged Readers and Writers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8732104_orig.jpg?crop=714,714,x255,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769462052431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-irma1"},{"teacherId":5004724,"projectId":4335080,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom and media center. Because of you, our students—predominantly first-generation Mexican-American children of immigrants in grades K–5—now have access to updated iPads that allow them to move beyond consuming media and become creators, makers, and inventors. They are exploring coding, producing videos, experimenting with green screen and stop-motion, and creating audio projects that amplify their voices and ideas.\r\n\r\nYour contribution comes at a critical time as our school navigates ongoing budget constraints. These devices help ensure that our students continue to engage in meaningful, future-ready learning experiences while building skills that extend across disciplines. More importantly, they empower students to see themselves as capable, creative contributors in a digital world.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their growth, curiosity, and potential.","fullyFundedDate":1569266588458,"projectUrl":"project/digital-natives-need-new-devices/4335080/","projectTitle":"Digital Natives Need New Devices","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. F.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5004724_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511898581419","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfraustotech"},{"teacherId":8843627,"projectId":9082263,"letterContent":"You have truly impacted my Diverse Learners. BECAUSE OF YOU, I have been able to.print our their work sheets, resources and any other visual needed in our classroom, in vivid and bright colors. Because of you, my students are able to have a classroom and tools and resource full of color and not just black and white. A classroom with purpose and with all their needs in mind. Because of you, I have been able to color code phonics skills to make it easier on them and help them visually decode. I have been able to provide them with the necessary tools and resources they need to thrive. For this, I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1740745331805,"projectUrl":"project/visual-learners-need-color/9082263/","projectTitle":"Visual Learners Need Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aguilera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8843627_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740432540848","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mlaguilera"},{"teacherId":4716564,"projectId":9579793,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your help in supporting our classroom with these supplies! Students were able to make models and brochures come to life, and seeing their creations in person were such a treat for them. This helps them understand how their imagination can truly come to life. Students are especially fond of their water system creations using the adhesives and building supplies. \r\n\r\n We cannot explain how truly impactful your generosity means to us, and these materials will help us continue to create other models from our imaginations using the skills we are learning in class. Thank you so much for sparking ingenuity and joy for these fifth graders!","fullyFundedDate":1758808970905,"projectUrl":"project/stuck-on-you-supplies-to-showcase-our-l/9579793/","projectTitle":"Stuck on You: Supplies to Showcase Our Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4716564_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1503647427823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspazsroom"},{"teacherId":14621,"projectId":10038466,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support of our classroom. Your donation of Daily Comprehension Notebooks has already made a meaningful difference for my students.\r\n\r\nIn second grade, we are building the habits that strong readers carry with them for life. These journals give my students a consistent place to respond to texts, find evidence, and explain their thinking. What may look simple on the surface has truly elevated their learning. I am already seeing them slow down, think more carefully, and take pride in their ideas.\r\n\r\nEven more importantly, these notebooks are helping my students see themselves as capable readers and thinkers. They are beginning to understand that their ideas matter and that they can grow by reflecting on their learning over time. That confidence is something I value deeply.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting work that will stay with them far beyond this school year. I am truly grateful for your kindness and partnership.","fullyFundedDate":1772495713513,"projectUrl":"project/reading-our-way-to-college-careers/10038466/","projectTitle":"Reading Our Way to College & Careers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp14621_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767152067439","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/theresa-ruiz"},{"teacherId":3102007,"projectId":10117109,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for investing in our vision for a better community. The supplies we received through DonorsChoose have been officially put to work, and the impact is visible to everyone who walks through our neighborhood.\r\n\r\nWith the supplies you funded, my students were able to give back to the community. This project taught them that they have the power to change their environment for the better.\r\n\r\nBy removing the financial barrier to these materials, you allowed us to focus entirely on the service. My students have gained confidence, teamwork skills, and a profound sense of civic pride. We aren't just finishing a project; we are building a foundation for a lifetime of giving back.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and our community.","fullyFundedDate":1773688327916,"projectUrl":"project/the-wellness-wave-student-led-sensory-s/10117109/","projectTitle":"The Wellness Wave: Student-Led Sensory Support for Our School Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mounts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3102007_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y398&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715869250778","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3102007"},{"teacherId":14621,"projectId":9975374,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for thinking of our classroom. Your support truly made a difference.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, my students were able to experience Lunar New Year in a way that felt special and meaningful. We spent time learning about the traditions, and the small gifts such as erasers, bracelets, squishies, rings, and pencil toppers, brought so much joy to the room. Watching their excitement was wonderful, but even more important was how included and connected they felt as part of the celebration.\r\n\r\nThese moments help my students understand that holidays like Lunar New Year are about more than just gifts, they're about sharing good wishes, showing kindness, and appreciating different cultures. Your kindness helped bring those lessons to life in a way they won't forget.\r\n\r\nI'm truly grateful for your support and for helping create such a warm experience for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1767149964435,"projectUrl":"project/lunar-new-year-sharing-smiles-luck-an/9975374/","projectTitle":"Lunar New Year: Sharing Smiles, Luck, and Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp14621_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767152067439","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/theresa-ruiz"},{"teacherId":5030177,"projectId":9796331,"letterContent":"Our young learners have had the privilege of using the magnetic stands to construct letters using visual models. It has been amazing to watch students problem-solve as they flip, turn, and manipulate the materials to match the letters they have in mind. Beyond enhancing their visualization skills, our students are learning to verbalize their ideas to peers and teachers. They embrace the opportunity to take turns, collaborate, and complete tasks together.\r\nThe magnetic gears have been equally phenomenal. Students are showing incredible focus as they use the visual guide cards to replicate designs, and I never imagined the level of enthusiasm (and physical effort!) they would put into positioning the bars to make their gear designs successful. The magnetic bars are quite strong and seeing our students collaborate to maneuver the position is exciting. This activity has beautifully supported their cognitive development; my team has watched groups persevere through multiple attempts, while others find success on their first try through keen visualization.\r\nCurrently, we use one side of the stands to support phonemic awareness, where students sort images based on initial sounds for our 'Question of the Day.' The other side supports color sorting and vocabulary building using magnetic jars. Students aren't just naming colors; they are identifying items and describing their purposes, which significantly enhances their language abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1763598487725,"projectUrl":"project/prek-stem-center-the-power-of-play-in-f/9796331/","projectTitle":"PreK STEM Center: The Power of Play in Future Innovators","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5030177_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1609970510262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tellez"},{"teacherId":5030177,"projectId":9927666,"letterContent":"Our young learners have shown great enthusiasm for the new board books in our weekly independent reading basket. Seeing their excitement as they flip through both new and familiar pages is an absolute joy. It is amazing to see students \"read\" the stories we've shared during large group read-alouds; they can already recognize books like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Silly Sally, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, and The Snowy Day just by their covers.\r\nHaving these familiar titles continues to foster a love for literacy. It is inspiring to hear their intonation as they \"read\" using the words they recall, demonstrating a growing understanding that text is meaningful. By following the print and using memory and illustrations to guide them, they are building essential foundational skills.\r\nAdditionally, our \"feelings\" board books have become an essential part of the Cozy Corner. These books support students as they learn to regulate their emotions, with the illustrations providing a powerful visual tool to help them navigate their feelings.","fullyFundedDate":1764600081829,"projectUrl":"project/board-books-for-preachoolers/9927666/","projectTitle":"Board Books for Preachoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5030177_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1609970510262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tellez"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5741","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":803,"numTeachers":54,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":95,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.1,"schoolId":5741,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Monarcas Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Monarcas Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/tonti-elementary-school/5741"}