{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monarcas Academy","outOfStateSupporters":33.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4941394,"projectId":9645235,"letterContent":"This document camera has transformed my 5th grade classroom by making learning more visual and interactive. Students can clearly see text, models, math problems, and science demonstrations in real time, which supports attention and understanding. It helped bridge gaps for those students who need visual cues and allows for the students to share their work and explain their strategies with each other.\r\n\r\nIt has also boosted engagement and accessibility. I can model thinking, share student work instantly, and adapt lessons quickly, helping all learners stay involved and build confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1762787039746,"projectUrl":"project/see-it-to-believe-it-a-classroom-docume/9645235/","projectTitle":"See It to Believe It: A Classroom Document Camera!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hornof","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4941394_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511235961114","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hornof"},{"teacherId":9895087,"projectId":9273804,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. My students live in the city and this project really helped them get in touch with nature that can be found right in their backyards. When we first started this unit on birds in our neighborhood, I couldn't wait to teach my students all about birds, the different types, and how they adapt to different environments. I was able to show them how peaceful it can be to observe them and the importance of respecting nature. Your donation has given me the opportunity to give my students the best experiences!\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when they found out that they would each get their own bird houses to build and paint. When I told them that not only would they get to take them home but that I also had bird seed and binoculars for them, they were thrilled. Many of my students have never had a bird house or binoculars, let alone something they had of their own to build. \r\n\r\nThis project gave my students a sense of ownership and pride because they were able to have something of their own that they made themselves. It also taught them so much about how important it is for them to care about their neighborhood and nature. We were able to discuss the impact and role we have on the environment as well as how these bird houses will help many animals as they prepare for the winter season. Thank you again for your generosity and impact on my students.","fullyFundedDate":1755698499697,"projectUrl":"project/bird-watching-adventures-in-our-neighbor/9273804/","projectTitle":"Bird-Watching Adventures in Our Neighborhood","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":5563666,"projectId":9445027,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"Leaders Who Read: Building Community Through Student Read-Alouds.\" Your contribution has had a tremendous impact on our classroom and our school community.\r\nThe resources you helped bring to our classroom have not only supported literacy, they have helped my 4th graders grow into confident leaders. We used the new materials for our community fall reading event, and my students took full ownership of the night.\r\nThey organized multiple reading stations throughout the school, greeted families as they arrived, and invited younger children to select a book and be read to. Some families also chose to sit and read aloud to their children, which created a warm and joyful space centered around books.\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching my 4th graders run the bookmark-making station. They encouraged children to design bookmarks based on characters or themes from the stories they heard. Their pride was written all over their faces as they realized they were the ones making this event special for younger students and families.\r\nWe even had additional materials left after the event, and those supplies inspired something even more meaningful. We invited a kindergarten class to visit us, and my students partnered up, two kindergarteners with each fourth grader, to read a story together and create bookmarks inspired by the book. The joy, patience, and leadership my students showed was incredible. Those kindergartners are now our monthly reading buddies, and my fourth graders look forward to each visit with excitement and a sense of responsibility.Because of you, my students have become stronger readers and stronger leaders. They see themselves as role models, and they now understand the power of sharing books with others.\r\nOur journey isn't ending here. Our next step is to run a student-led reading station at our spring STEAM night, where my students will offer quick scientific read-alouds to small groups, followed by a hands-on craft connected to the story. They are already brainstorming which STEM-themed books will best inspire curiosity in younger learners.","fullyFundedDate":1751912126327,"projectUrl":"project/leaders-who-read-building-community-thr/9445027/","projectTitle":"Leaders Who Read: Building Community Through Student Read-Alouds","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":127017,"projectId":9440338,"letterContent":"The new classroom carpet has transformed our learning environment, acting as a vibrant, comfortable, and interactive resource for all my fourth-grade students. We are using the large, soft space daily for collaborative activities, reading groups, and direct instruction, which has significantly improved focus and participation. A specific joyful moment occurred when we used the carpet to spread out and assemble our three-dimensional solar powered models during our science unit; instead of being cramped at desks, students worked side-by-side, sharing materials and ideas effortlessly. The students' reaction upon seeing the new carpet was pure excitement, leading to an immediate and spontaneous \"floor party\" where they happily rolled around and tested the softness, instantly feeling that the classroom was a more welcoming and cozy place. Our next steps involve leveraging this new communal space to launch a new reading project where students will read and make their own nonfiction books, using the carpeted floor area for safe, large-scale setups and comfortable observation.","fullyFundedDate":1755720040608,"projectUrl":"project/anti-herobut-pro-reading/9440338/","projectTitle":"Anti-Hero...but Pro-Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fonseca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp127017_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y416&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690518303086","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msefonseca"},{"teacherId":9844268,"projectId":9769977,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of tables, chairs, and writing tools for our kindergarten classroom. Your support has made a tremendous difference in our students' daily learning experiences and in the joyful energy that fills our room each day.\r\n\r\nBefore we received these materials, our classroom space was limited, and students often struggled to find comfortable and functional areas to work together. Now, with our new tables and chairs, every child has a special place to sit, collaborate, and focus. The new furniture has created a welcoming, organized, and engaging learning environment that encourages teamwork and independence.\r\n\r\nThe writing tools have sparked a wonderful sense of excitement during writing time! My students are more eager to practice their names, draw pictures, and write stories. Tools that fit their little hands have helped improve their grip and fine motor control, while the new supplies have made writing fun and motivating. We've seen more confidence, creativity, and persistence from even our most hesitant learners.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I see the impact of your generosity in their smiles, their enthusiasm for learning, and the pride they feel when they show their work. Your kindness has given my students not just materials, but a sense of belonging and importance—they see that people care about their education and want them to succeed.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us build a foundation for a lifetime of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1760634374947,"projectUrl":"project/student-led-literacy-lounge-building-co/9769977/","projectTitle":"Student-Led Literacy Lounge: Building Community Through Reading & Writing","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":14621,"projectId":9392622,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of a $100 Teachers Pay Teachers gift card. Your kindness means so much to me and my second graders!\r\nBecause of your support, I've been able to purchase engaging and interactive learning resources that have brought so much excitement into our classroom. Recently, my students worked in their academic teams on a \"Fall Festival Math Challenge\" where they solved addition and subtraction problems. It was wonderful to see them collaborating, discussing strategies, and encouraging one another as they worked toward a shared goal. Activities like these make learning fun and meaningful, and they help every child feel successful and proud of their work.\r\n\r\nThe materials from Teachers Pay Teachers are creative lessons that spark curiosity, teamwork, and joy. Whether my students are practicing phonics through games, exploring science with hands-on investigations, or writing stories with colorful prompts, these resources keep them motivated and excited to learn each day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity truly makes a difference. Thank you for helping me create a classroom where learning feels like an adventure. My students and I are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1759339629854,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-bold-futures/9392622/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds, Bold Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp14621_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x89,y100&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672274593581","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/theresa-ruiz"},{"teacherId":8892309,"projectId":9768060,"letterContent":"Participating in a class project to support local dog shelters had a powerful impact on my students both academically and socially. Through creating awareness posters, learning about animal care, and donating the toys and supplies to shelters, my students developed a stronger sense of empathy, responsibility, and community involvement. The project allowed them to apply real-world math skills by counting and sorting donated items, practice persuasive and informative writing through letters and flyers, and engage in meaningful discussions about compassion, kindness, and civic responsibility. Students also learned about the needs of animals, the role of shelters in the community, and how small actions can make a big difference. For many, it was a first experience with service learning—connecting classroom lessons to a cause they care deeply about. Educationally, this project supported social-emotional growth, teamwork, and critical thinking, while reinforcing literacy, math, and communication standards in a purposeful, engaging way. Overall, giving to dog shelters helped my students see themselves as capable contributors and compassionate citizens, extending their learning far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759774051677,"projectUrl":"project/helping-paws-delivering-comfort-to-our/9768060/","projectTitle":"Helping Paws: Delivering Comfort to Our Local Animal Shelter","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":9645236,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project! My students and I are incredibly grateful for your generosity and support. Because of you, my second graders have the opportunity to explore time and money in meaningful, hands on ways that bring learning to life.\r\nMy students come to school each day full of curiosity and enthusiasm, and these new resources will allow them to apply what they learn in real world situations. \r\nFor many of my students, experiences like these make all the difference. They help connect classroom learning to future possibilities. Thanks to your kindness, my students will not only grow as learners but also gain the confidence to see themselves as capable problem solvers and future leaders.\r\nFrom all of us in our second grade classroom, thank you for believing in us and helping to make learning exciting and real.","fullyFundedDate":1759025024630,"projectUrl":"project/helping-second-graders-master-time-telli/9645236/","projectTitle":"Helping Second Graders Master Time-Telling Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp14621_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x89,y100&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672274593581","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/theresa-ruiz"},{"teacherId":14621,"projectId":9667065,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom! My second graders and I are beyond grateful for your generosity. Because of you, my students now have tools that make such a big difference in their learning every single day.\r\nThe visual timers have been amazing. My students can actually see time passing, which helps them stay on task and feel proud when they finish their work. It's been rewarding to watch them become more independent and confident.\r\nThey've also loved using the Money Hands-On Student Pack! Counting coins, making change, and solving real life money problems has turned into one of their favorite parts of math. For many of them, this is their first real experience with money, and it's helping them understand concepts that used to feel so tricky.\r\nYour kindness gave my students the chance to learn important life skills in a fun and meaningful way. You've made a real impact, and I can't thank you enough for helping them grow.","fullyFundedDate":1756870162462,"projectUrl":"project/managing-time-counting-change-growing/9667065/","projectTitle":"Managing Time, Counting Change, Growing Mind","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp14621_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x89,y100&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672274593581","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/theresa-ruiz"},{"teacherId":8893796,"projectId":9678647,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! My 22 fourth graders and I are so grateful for the supplies you've provided. With the pencils, dry erase markers, construction paper, copy paper, scissors, glue, and Clorox wipes, our classroom is now better prepared for learning, creativity, and collaboration every day.\r\n\r\nThe pencils and markers will allow students to actively participate in lessons and practice skills on their whiteboards, while the paper, scissors, and glue will be used in projects that help bring their ideas to life. These materials will make learning more hands-on, engaging, and fun. The Clorox wipes will also help us keep a clean, healthy classroom environment so students can stay focused on learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students have the tools they need to feel confident and excited about their work. You've given them the opportunity to do their best each day, and we are truly thankful for the lasting impact your gift will have in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758842411710,"projectUrl":"project/starting-the-year-off-on-the-right-foot/9678647/","projectTitle":"Starting the Year Off On the Right Foot.","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":14621,"projectId":9437596,"letterContent":"My students and I would like to thank you for supporting this project. Because of your donation, my second grade students are launching something truly special, a student led reading initiative that will spark excitement across the classrooms.\r\n\r\nRight now, my students are learning how to tell time using their very own analog watches. This is a skill that's helping them build confidence and responsibility. \r\n\r\nOnce they master this skill, they'll take on an exciting new role: mentoring younger reading buddies. They'll use their watches to guide the reading sessions, saying things like, \"Let's read together until the big hand is on the 6.\" I can already tell how eager they are to share what they're learning and to help their buddies fall in love with reading too.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, my students are not only learning to tell time, they're learning to lead, to teach, and to make a difference in our school community. You've helped turn a simple idea into something that builds confidence, kindness, and connection.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in projects like this.","fullyFundedDate":1751298871901,"projectUrl":"project/time-to-read-time-to-lead/9437596/","projectTitle":"Time to Read, Time to Lead!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp14621_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x89,y100&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672274593581","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/theresa-ruiz"},{"teacherId":4941394,"projectId":9439331,"letterContent":"When my students received the supplies to make friendship bracelets, their excitement was contagious. As soon as the materials were unpacked, they eagerly sorted through the colorful beads and strings, sharing ideas for designs and talking about what grade they wanted to make bracelets for. Many of them immediately started experimenting with patterns, and you could see how much pride they felt in being able to create something meaningful to share with the entire school community. Their reactions showed just how powerful it can be to provide students with the right tools to express kindness and creativity.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new resources to build connections throughout all of our K-5 classrooms. The project has given my students the opportunity to build social skills, patience, and focus, while also developing a sense of responsibility and community. As they create bracelets, they are also learning how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.","fullyFundedDate":1751380658252,"projectUrl":"project/lets-be-friends/9439331/","projectTitle":"Let's Be Friends!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hornof","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4941394_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511235961114","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hornof"}],"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"}