{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monarcas Academy","outOfStateSupporters":33.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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":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"},{"teacherId":5563666,"projectId":9911584,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, reading in our classroom has been transformed into an experience full of excitement, laughter, and meaningful learning. Sideways Stories from Wayside School has quickly become a class favorite. They can't wait to read the next chapter to find out which wacky character from the 30th floor will be introduced next.\r\nWe read this book together as a whole class, and many students also choose to read it independently. One of the reasons it has been so impactful is that it is accessible to all of my learners. The language and structure are engaging without being too difficult, which allows my students who are still learning English to fully understand and enjoy the story alongside their peers.\r\nThrough this text, students are developing important literacy skills such as describing characters using traits, comparing and contrasting characters, and expanding their vocabulary through word work activities. We've also been engaging in creative, hands-on projects connected to the book. Right now, students are especially excited about creating a \"Wayside School Yearbook,\" where they are including and describing each character from the story.\r\nThank you for helping create a classroom where students are not only building strong reading skills, but also developing a genuine love for reading. Your support has made a lasting impact on my students.","fullyFundedDate":1767807939654,"projectUrl":"project/wayside-adventures-inspiring-readers-th/9911584/","projectTitle":"Wayside Adventures: Inspiring Readers This Christmas","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5563666_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532404255495","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maestramartinez306"},{"teacherId":1669924,"projectId":10010162,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"A Literacy Journey Through Lunar New Year.\" Because of your generosity, my students were able to explore this important cultural celebration in a hands-on and meaningful way. We used the books you provided to build background knowledge and practice reading comprehension skills, while the decorations helped us transform our classroom into a vibrant learning space. One special moment was when students participated in a mock Lunar New Year celebration—reading stories, exchanging envelopes, and even reflecting on the meanings behind fortune cookies. It truly brought literacy to life in a way they will never forget.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate and contagious. Their eyes lit up as they explored the books, games, and festive items. Many students made personal connections, while others were eager to learn about a tradition that was new to them. The hands-on experiences helped build curiosity, engagement, and a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.\r\n\r\nThey will also engage in discussions comparing traditions and reflecting on themes of celebration, family, and culture. Your support has not only enhanced this unit but has also created lasting memories and meaningful learning opportunities for my students. Thank you for making this journey possible!","fullyFundedDate":1769445333390,"projectUrl":"project/a-literacy-journey-through-lunar-new-yea/10010162/","projectTitle":"A Literacy Journey Through Lunar New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Palafox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1669924_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524358269957","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1669924"},{"teacherId":3567749,"projectId":10015552,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. The headphones came in just on time for state testing and the new headphones made my students feel confident during the speaking test in ACCESS because they had working headphones. The headphones have also helped them with their reading fluency since they use them to listen to audiobooks.\r\n\r\nThe markers and canvases were a wonderful tool to helped them relax after state testing. The students really enjoyed using the canvases and they were very excited that the markers where actually shimmery!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for the wonderful donations.","fullyFundedDate":1769549512313,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-art-supplies-for-learning/10015552/","projectTitle":"Headphones & Art Supplies for Learning: Catering to Diverse Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. J. Paz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3567749_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718561853998","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3567749"},{"teacherId":14621,"projectId":10038485,"letterContent":"I am truly grateful for your generous support of our classroom and for making our Career Math Journals possible. Your contribution means so much, not just in providing supplies, but in giving my students way to grow as learners and as future leaders. With these math notebooks and pens, students will have a consistent space to record their thinking, set goals, track their growth, and reflect on their problem-solving strategies throughout the year.\r\n\r\nIn second grade, learning goes far beyond memorizing numbers and solving equations. It's about building habits and skills that will serve them for a lifetime. These journals will help my students practice perseverance, organization, and responsibility every day. They will learn to show their thinking clearly, explain their strategies to their peers, and take ownership of their learning. This mirrors the way professionals in engineering, business, and countless other fields document their work, helping students see that their ideas and efforts have value.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students will develop confidence, communication skills, and leadership traits in a safe and encouraging environment. They will see that challenges are opportunities to learn, and that growth comes from sticking with a problem and reflecting on their progress. Your donation does more than provide notebooks and pens, it inspires curiosity, builds independence, and encourages my students to dream about their future careers while practicing the skills they need to get there.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students, their learning, and their future. Your generosity will have a lasting impact, and my classroom is brighter, more organized, and more inspiring because of you. We are so excited to begin this journey of learning and growth, and it is all possible because of your kindness and belief in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1772644148795,"projectUrl":"project/small-notebooks-big-life-skills/10038485/","projectTitle":"Small Notebooks, Big Life Skills","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":8892309,"projectId":10122317,"letterContent":"Because of your belief in our students, the \"Future Ready: Engineering Vocational Skills & Leadership\" project is now a reality. Your investment has transformed our classroom into a high-functioning lab where theory meets practice.\r\n\r\nThis project was designed to bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world application. With the materials you provided, students are no longer just reading about mechanics; they are building, testing, and troubleshooting. Beyond the technical skills, the \"Leadership\" component of this project has empowered students to take ownership of their work. They are learning to manage project timelines, collaborate in diverse teams, and communicate complex ideas—skills that are essential for any future career path.\r\n\r\nYou haven't just funded equipment; you have fueled the ambitions of future engineers and leaders. Watching a student move from a moment of frustration to a successful \"breakthrough\" is a powerful experience, and it is one that you made possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a partner in our journey toward vocational excellence.","fullyFundedDate":1772559400183,"projectUrl":"project/future-ready-engineering-vocational-ski/10122317/","projectTitle":"Future Ready: Engineering Vocational Skills & Leadership","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura Sierra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8892309_orig.jpg?crop=966,966,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670516572691","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-sierra-lbs1"},{"teacherId":14621,"projectId":10070393,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and believing in my students. Because of your generosity, my second-grade English Language Learners now have the tools they need to lead a student-run literacy initiative that reaches beyond our classroom. The speaker system, pens, and highlighters will help my students practice reading aloud, organize their materials, and prepare to share songs, poems, and passages with others.\r\n\r\nYour support is giving my students the opportunity to build confidence in their voices while encouraging younger students and families to enjoy reading together. For many of my students, being able to stand up and share their learning with the school community is a powerful experience.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students see that their voices matter. Your kindness is making a meaningful difference in their learning and confidence. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1770415189514,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-english-learners-through-lite/10070393/","projectTitle":"Empowering English Learners Through Literacy and Public Speaking","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":14621,"projectId":10114617,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting our classroom. Your generosity means more than words can express. Because of you, my second graders will have clipboards and dry erase boards that help them practice important life skills like organizing their thoughts, sharing their ideas, and taking ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nAt seven and eight years old, my students are just beginning to build the independence and confidence that will carry them through school and beyond. Simple tools like these help them feel capable and responsible, and they begin to see themselves as leaders in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat may seem like small supplies will make a big difference in their daily learning. Your kindness is helping my students grow not only as learners, but as confident young people.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in them and in the work we do every day. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1772063747763,"projectUrl":"project/little-skills-big-futures/10114617/","projectTitle":"Little Skills, Big Futures","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":14621,"projectId":9960606,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for funding our project. Your generosity means so much to me and to my second graders. I am truly grateful that you believe in giving young children opportunities to learn about the world beyond their own community.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will be able to experience the rich traditions of Lunar New Year in a meaningful and memorable way. Through books, discussions, and hands-on activities, they explored the significance of the dragon, red lanterns, and other important symbols. They decorated their desks with colorful centerpieces, played Lunar New Year bingo, and celebrate their learning with festive stickers. These experiences brought our literacy lessons to life while helping them grow as readers, writers, speakers, and listeners.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, your support helped my students develop cultural awareness, empathy, and respect for traditions outside their own. You are expanding their understanding of the world and showing them that learning about other cultures is something to celebrate.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and for making this experience possible. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.","fullyFundedDate":1766502801243,"projectUrl":"project/a-journey-through-lunar-new-year/9960606/","projectTitle":"A Journey Through Lunar New Year","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":8892309,"projectId":10120135,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest thanks for your donation toward our glass beads project!\r\n\r\nThe students were absolutely mesmerized when we opened the package. We are using these as Compassion Beads, allowing students to \"catch\" each other doing something kind and marking that moment with a bead for their collection. It has turned our classroom into a place where students are actively looking for the good in one another.\r\n\r\nOne student told me today that holding their bead helps them \"feel quiet inside\" when they get frustrated. That moment of peace was made possible by you.\r\n\r\nThank you for your kindness and for making my students feel so special!","fullyFundedDate":1772301445470,"projectUrl":"project/thank-you-for-helping-us-craft-a-culture/10120135/","projectTitle":"Thank You for Helping Us Craft a Culture of Care!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura Sierra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8892309_orig.jpg?crop=966,966,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670516572691","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-sierra-lbs1"}],"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","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.9,"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"}