{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monarcas Academy","outOfStateSupporters":33.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":8892309,"projectId":10107205,"letterContent":"I wanted to reach out and share the incredible impact your gift has already had on our classroom. The compassion chair has become a vital \"home base\" for my students.\r\n\r\nIn a busy classroom, the sensory input can sometimes become overwhelming. Before we had this chair, a student having a tough moment often felt exposed or frustrated. Now, they have a dedicated, comfortable space to breathe and reset. I've already seen students independently recognizing when they need a break, using the chair for a few minutes, and returning to their desks ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just buy a piece of furniture; you provided my students with a sense of security and the tools to manage their own emotional well-being. Thank you for believing in them.","fullyFundedDate":1772132413802,"projectUrl":"project/the-compassion-circle-a-safe-seat-for-s/10107205/","projectTitle":"The Compassion Circle: A Safe Seat for Seeing Others Clearly","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":9920965,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generous support of our Lunar New Year project! My second-grade students have been so excited to explore the traditions and customs of this holiday, and your donation made it possible for them to have an immersive, hands-on learning experience.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, my students were able to read books about Lunar New Year, decorate our classroom with red lanterns, and create colorful desk centerpieces. They loved opening red envelopes with lucky coins, playing Lunar New Year bingo, and earning festive stickers for participating. These activities not only made learning fun but also helped my students practice their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They were able to discuss the significance of the dragon, the meaning of good luck, and the importance of celebrating diverse cultures in our world.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are becoming more thoughtful readers and global thinkers. They are learning to appreciate traditions beyond their own community and to celebrate the richness of cultures around the world. Thank you for helping make this meaningful learning experience possible. Your support has truly made a difference in their education and their understanding of the world.","fullyFundedDate":1765807900894,"projectUrl":"project/a-literacy-journey-through-lunar-new-yea/9920965/","projectTitle":"A Literacy 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":10435062,"projectId":10097905,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom. Because of your support, we were able to purchase a variety of fidget tools—including sensory strips, weighted lap pads, and tactile spinners—that are already making a world of difference for my students.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we strive to create an environment where every student has what they need to succeed. For many of my learners, sitting still and focusing for long periods can be a physical challenge. These tools aren't just gadgets; they are \"brain tools\" that help students regulate their energy, decrease anxiety, and stay engaged during lessons.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the tools, I've seen a noticeable shift in our daily routine.\r\n\r\nIncreased Focus: During independent reading, students who previously struggled to stay in their seats are now using sensory strips to stay grounded and productive.\r\n\r\nCalmer Transitions: The tactile tools have become a go-to resource for students who feel overwhelmed during busy parts of the day.\r\n\r\nConfidence: My students feel supported knowing that their sensory needs are respected and met.","fullyFundedDate":1771958688688,"projectUrl":"project/the-kindness-kits-initiative-sensory/10097905/","projectTitle":"The \"Kindness Kits\" Initiative: Sensory Wellness for Our School Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alamo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10435062"},{"teacherId":9844268,"projectId":10072101,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our classroom since the arrival of our new Listening Center. Because of your support, a previously quiet corner of our room has become the most popular destination in the class!\r\n\r\nSeeing the Literacy Spark Since we integrated the listening center into our daily literacy rotations, I have seen a remarkable shift in my students' engagement. For my emerging readers, hearing a story read with fluency and expression while they follow along with the physical book is \"the bridge\" they needed to gain confidence. For my English Language Learners, the center provides a safe, low-pressure way to hear conversational English and build their vocabulary.\r\n\r\nMore Than Just Headphones This center has done more than just help with reading; it has improved our classroom environment. It allows a small group of students to dive deep into a story without distractions, which in turn allows me to work more closely with other students in small-group instruction. One of my students recently told me, \"I feel like I'm inside the movie of the book when I wear these!\"\r\n\r\nThe Long-Term Gift Your investment has provided a durable resource that will benefit this class and many classes to come. You have helped turn \"I have to read\" into \"I want to listen,\" and for a teacher, there is no greater gift than seeing a child truly excited about a story.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for providing the tools they need to become fluent, lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1770830712618,"projectUrl":"project/little-listeners-big-leaders-kindergar/10072101/","projectTitle":"Little Listeners, Big Leaders: Kindergarteners Serving Our School Through Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zimmerman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9844268_orig.jpg?crop=80,80,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732154875620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9844268"},{"teacherId":10892,"projectId":9928445,"letterContent":"Upon delivery of the manipulatives I received, I caught my students attention by opening the boxes in front of them to show them what they would be able to explore, it felt like Christmas Day with excitement and curiosity on their faces. Next, I offered three new activities for them to explore and use and their favorite one immediately sparked so much interest and creativity was the Brick Makers. Students made objects like flowers and a steering wheel to letters and numbers with little prompting from me. It was amazing to see them work on creating something new each time they used it. We are so happy one small donation came make a big impact!","fullyFundedDate":1764598318886,"projectUrl":"project/manipulative-mania/9928445/","projectTitle":"Manipulative Mania","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. A.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10892_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597073803657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aaaaguilar"}],"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"}