{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monarcas Academy","outOfStateSupporters":33.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5030177,"projectId":9796250,"letterContent":"The Cricut Maker has made a profound impact in our classroom this winter. It transformed how we teach mathematical sequencing. My classroom team and I were able to create custom snowman and snowflake manipulates that students used to build AB patterns during small group instruction. Students first took a vote on what to create and the top two choices were created.\r\n\r\nThe students were captivated as we \"magically\" made the shapes right at our fingertips. Students helped load the paper and then carefully peeled the cut-outs from the grip mat. This process directly supported their eye-hand coordination and challenged their problem-solving skills as they had to handle the intricate pieces with delicacy. At one point one student did say \"this is hard.\" \r\n\r\nThis tools saves hours of cutting. I can't wait to continue making additional new items for our units. I'm already planning for our Garden Unit lessons with custom flower and animal cut-outs. Thank you for making this tactile, joyful learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1760550390502,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-student-creators-with-cricut/9796250/","projectTitle":"Empowering Student Creators with Cricut!","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":14621,"projectId":9666474,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing my second graders with student watches and play money. Your kindness has made a meaningful impact in our classroom and in their learning experience. \r\nI am so lucky to work with a group of curious second graders who are always excited to learn, especially when lessons connect to their everyday lives. The watches have helped my students feel more confident telling time, and the play money has truly transformed our math lessons, giving students hands on opportunities to count coins and make change\r\nThese resources are helping build not only strong math skills, but also important life skills my students will carry with them beyond the classroom. Thank you for believing in my students and for investing in their learning and future success.","fullyFundedDate":1766540843128,"projectUrl":"project/second-graders-counting-on-success/9666474/","projectTitle":"Second Graders Counting on Success","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":9975668,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of an abundance of multifold paper towels for our classroom. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nOur classroom is a busy, hands-on space filled with energetic second graders. Throughout the day, we work on art projects, hands-on activities, snack time, and collaborative learning, so messes are simply part of learning! Thanks to your donation, my students are able to clean up any messes that come our way quickly and independently.\r\n\r\nHaving a reliable supply of paper towels helps us maintain a safe, tidy classroom where students can focus on learning, responsibility, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support and generosity. Thank you for helping make my classroom a place where students can learn, grow, and take pride in their environment.","fullyFundedDate":1767245994701,"projectUrl":"project/lunar-new-year-traditions-in-action/9975668/","projectTitle":"Lunar New Year Traditions in Action","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":9972557,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the interactive games for our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our students' daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the games and activities, I have seen students become more engaged and motivated to work together. It has encouraged collaboration, teamwork, and respectful communication as students share ideas, take turns, and solve problems together. These interactions have helped strengthen their communication skills in a fun and natural way.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create an environment where students feel excited to learn and confident working with one another. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for investing in my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1766792901580,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-lunar-new-year-learning/9972557/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Lunar New Year 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":14621,"projectId":9972727,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the Dyson vacuum for our second grade classroom. It has truly made a meaningful difference in our daily routine and learning environment.\r\nOur classroom is a busy, hands-on space, and messes happen often. The Dyson comes in handy every single day when we are cleaning up after learning, creating, and working together. Its cleaning power is absolutely amazing, especially when vacuuming our classroom carpet.\r\nWe are currently using the vacuum to deep clean our classroom in preparation for the Lunar New Year. My students are so excited to take part in cleaning our room at the end of each day. Vacuuming the carpet has even become one of our classroom jobs, helping students learn responsibility, teamwork, and pride in caring for their shared space.\r\nYour generosity has helped create a cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming classroom for my students. Thank you for supporting our classroom and for making such a positive impact on our learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1767125694521,"projectUrl":"project/lunar-new-year-a-fresh-start-for-learni/9972727/","projectTitle":"Lunar New Year: A Fresh Start for Learning and Well-Being","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":5563666,"projectId":9477244,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Tools for Thinking, Writing, and Learning. Because of your generosity, my students now have essential classroom supplies like pens, highlighters, folders, glue sticks, and sharpeners. These are simple tools that make a powerful difference in how they learn each day. When students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. Many were eager to choose a folder, organize their papers, and begin working right away. Having their own supplies made them feel prepared, confident, and proud. For some students, especially those who may not always have access to these tools at home, this meant being fully included and ready to learn alongside their peers.\r\nDuring writing workshop, students use highlighters to identify key ideas, revise their work, and focus on important details. Folders help them stay organized as they move through different stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to final drafts. Glue sticks and hands-on materials are being used for interactive notebooks, graphic organizers, and project-based learning activities that support both thinking and creativity. During reading, students highlight text evidence and organize their thinking on posters as teams.\r\nOur next steps, are to create presentations as teams that show their understanding of texts they read with students having choice as to how best represent this. \r\nThank you for investing in my students and for providing the tools they need to think, read, write, and learn with confidence. These resources are helping students build confidence, independence, responsibility, and a love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1760446588742,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-thinking-writing-and-learnin/9477244/","projectTitle":"Tools for Thinking, Writing, and Learning","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":8061951,"projectId":9583438,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting our project, \"Snack Attack: Fueling Minds and Growing Futures.\" Because of you, my students have access to nutritious snacks that directly support our daily reading instruction. We use these snacks during extended reading blocks, when students are expected to sustain focus, think deeply about texts, and actively participate in discussions. One of the most noticeable impacts has been an increase in student focus and stamina during reading lessons. Students who previously struggled to stay engaged are now more attentive, more willing to participate, and better able to complete independent reading and comprehension tasks.\r\nWhen students first received the snacks, they were excited, grateful, and genuinely touched by the support. Many shared how having a snack helped them feel ready to learn and less distracted during reading time. Knowing that someone beyond their classroom cared about their success created a strong sense of encouragement and belonging. Moving forward, these snacks will continue to help students build reading comprehension skills, engage in meaningful discussions, and grow as confident readers. Your generosity is truly fueling both their learning and their future, and we are incredibly thankful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758222080466,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack-fueling-minds-and-growing/9583438/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack: Fueling Minds and Growing Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. C","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8061951_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631491487565","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8061951"},{"teacherId":5563666,"projectId":9440519,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Instant Memories: Capturing Our Classroom Journey. Because of your generosity, my 4th grade bilingual classroom now has a camera that allows us to capture, celebrate, and reflect on special moments every day.\r\nOur camera has become a powerful learning tool. We use photos to document class celebrations, and hands-on activities. Students revisit these images to reflect on what they learned, describe experiences using new vocabulary, and make personal connections to their learning. For bilingual students, having visual references supports language development and comprehension in a way that words alone cannot.\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with this new technology. Some of my quieter students have become more confident when describing photos of activities they participated in. Others who are still developing English skills feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts when they can point to an image and explain what is happening. The camera has helped every student feel seen, included, and celebrated.\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping us capture the moments that make our classroom community so special.","fullyFundedDate":1760187967262,"projectUrl":"project/instant-memories-capturing-our-classroo/9440519/","projectTitle":"Instant Memories: Capturing Our Classroom Journey","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":9895087,"projectId":9558971,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our 3rd grade classroom by funding our printer, ink, and colored paper. These resources have made a meaningful difference in our daily instruction and have allowed us to better meet the needs of our students. Having access to a classroom printer means lessons, small-group activities, and student supports can be printed quickly and efficiently, keeping learning moving smoothly throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe ink and colored paper have helped make learning more engaging and accessible for our students. Color-coded materials support organization, improve understanding for visual learners, and make assignments and projects more exciting. Students take pride in their work and are more motivated when materials are clear, organized, and visually appealing.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a more prepared, engaging, and supportive learning environment for our 3rd graders. Thank you for investing in our students and showing them that their education matters. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1757888779338,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-learning-bringing-lessons-to/9558971/","projectTitle":"Color Our Learning: Bringing Lessons to Life in Third Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Le","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9895087_orig.jpg?crop=80,80,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736996235548","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lynn-le"},{"teacherId":14621,"projectId":9767878,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of watches and timers for my second grade classroom. These tools have made a meaningful impact on our buddy reading activities and on our students' excitement for learning.\r\n\r\nMy second graders use the watches and timers during reading time with their buddies, and it has been wonderful to see how engaged and motivated they are. The visual support helps students stay focused, understand the passage of time, and feel responsible for their learning. Most importantly, they truly love using them. Reading feels special and purposeful.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped build confidence, independence, and a genuine love of reading in our classroom. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for investing in the success of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1759846162305,"projectUrl":"project/time-to-read-time-to-lead-part-2/9767878/","projectTitle":"Time to Read, Time to Lead! (Part 2)","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":5563666,"projectId":9709642,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Rolling Toward Math Success.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in how my students experience math each day.\r\nWe are using the new resources in creative and flexible ways that fit naturally into our classroom routine. The math vocabulary cards have been especially impactful. I added them to our math word wall, where students reference them during lessons, discussions, and problem-solving. Students also use the flashcards to quiz one another when they finish early, which has turned extra time into meaningful peer practice.\r\nThe 5-Minute Math Checks book has been a game changer for me as a teacher. It gave me practical ideas for assessing students in different ways and showed me how to intentionally include math during transitions. Because of this resource, I now incorporate quick math moments throughout the day, even outside of our main math block.\r\nOne of the materials included was a rolling desk. While the desk itself is not sturdy enough to safely use in the hallway, I've still found a way to make the idea behind it work. I carry the math cards with me and use them to do quick check-ins with 2–3 students while we wait for our turn to use the restroom. The students absolutely love this! They see it as a game rather than an assessment, which lowers stress and allows me to get a more accurate picture of their understanding in just a few minutes.\r\nOverall, these materials have helped math feel more engaging, accessible, and fun for my students. Our next steps include continuing to use quick math checks to guide small-group instruction and expanding peer-to-peer practice using the vocabulary cards.\r\nThank you again for giving my students this opportunity. Your support truly helps bring learning to life in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758420645228,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-toward-math-success/9709642/","projectTitle":"Rolling Toward Math Success","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":8892309,"projectId":9696597,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Cricut machine has become an invaluable tool in my special education classroom. We are using it daily to create individualized, hands-on learning materials that meet each student's unique needs. From visual schedules and communication cards to adapted worksheets, task strips, and behavior supports, the Cricut allows us to quickly design and produce resources that make learning more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for our students.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials created with the Cricut, their reactions were immediate and joyful. They were excited by the bright visuals, clear labels, and hands-on components, and many were eager to interact with the materials right away. For students who benefit from visual structure and tactile learning, these resources helped reduce frustration, increase independence, and boost confidence. Seeing their excitement and willingness to participate confirmed just how impactful these tools are.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include using the Cricut to support current lessons by creating literacy manipulatives, math centers, adapted books, and classroom labels that reinforce routines and expectations. We also plan to expand its use for social-emotional learning activities and student-made projects that allow students to take ownership of their learning. Because of you, our students are learning in ways that are tailored to their strengths—and thriving because of it.","fullyFundedDate":1764022545882,"projectUrl":"project/stem-comes-alive-with-cricut-creations/9696597/","projectTitle":"STEM Comes Alive with Cricut Creations!","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":66.8,"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"}