{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Washington Irving Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9878575,"projectId":9310064,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to our DonorsChoose project for classroom snacks. Your kindness has truly made a difference for my kindergarteners. Having snacks available each day has helped my students stay focused, happy, and ready to learn — especially those who sometimes come to school without one. It's amazing how something as simple as a healthy snack can change the energy in the room and bring smiles to little faces.\r\n\r\nSnack time has become a special moment in our day. My students look forward to it, and it's turned into a time where we slow down, talk, and connect as a class. They feel cared for, and they know that someone out there believes in them and wants them to succeed. That means so much — to them, and to me.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom and for helping me give my students what they need to learn and grow. Your generosity has brought comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging to my little learners, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1753199267733,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-snacks-for-young-st/9310064/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds: Snacks for Young Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Purcell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9878575_orig.jpg?crop=2266,2266,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734570703137","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9878575"},{"teacherId":8877799,"projectId":9136662,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous support of our growing STEM library. Your contributions have opened the door to new learning experiences by providing our students with access to a rich and diverse collection of books—ranging from imaginative fiction to engaging scientific and historical texts. This literary variety allows our students not only to enjoy stories that spark creativity, but also to dive into factual content that builds knowledge, curiosity, and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nHaving access to scientific and historical texts at a young age can be truly life-changing. These books introduce students to complex ideas in a way that's accessible and exciting. For many of our learners, this is their first encounter with topics like engineering, astronomy, or ancient civilizations—and it's planting the seeds of future passions. \r\n\r\nWhether it's the story of a groundbreaking invention or the biography of a trailblazing scientist, these books inspire students to dream about who they might become and how they might shape the world.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our students now have a place where those dreams can begin. Your support isn't just filling shelves—it's expanding horizons. We thank you sincerely, and our students thank you, too. This is just the beginning of what will grow into a space that nurtures curiosity and encourages lifelong learning.","fullyFundedDate":1750387609318,"projectUrl":"project/including-stem-in-our-literary-journeys/9136662/","projectTitle":"Including STEM in our Literary Journeys","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8877799_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709337384950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8877799"},{"teacherId":8877799,"projectId":9136380,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for your generous contributions toward the creation of our new quiet space for students.\r\nBecause of your support, we've been able to create more than just a room—we've built a refuge for focus, reflection, and learning. The new bookcases and printer have added not only functionality but also the foundation for what will grow into our very own STEM and history library. These are the first steps in a space that will continue to expand knowledge and spark curiosity for years to come.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our study space now accommodates up to 23 students at a time—meaning we can now support nearly a third of our student population in one peaceful, dedicated environment. That's a powerful change in just our first year of rebuilding, and we owe it all to you.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our mission and for investing in the future of our students. We are truly grateful, and we look forward to sharing all the ways this space will continue to grow, evolve, and serve our young learners","fullyFundedDate":1746752256754,"projectUrl":"project/a-room-to-foster-a-love-for-literacy-pt/9136380/","projectTitle":"A Room to Foster A Love for Literacy (Pt. 1)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8877799_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709337384950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8877799"},{"teacherId":9903361,"projectId":9327788,"letterContent":"I'm writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our project, \"Celebrating Success: End-of-Year Treats and Rewards.\" Thanks to your support, we were able to give our students a truly special and memorable end to the school year.\r\n\r\nYour donations provided the resources for well-deserved treats and small rewards that acknowledged our students' hard work, resilience, and achievements throughout the year. We used these resources to host a fantastic \"Celebration Day\" during the last week of school. Each student received a personalized \"Achievement Certificate\" and had the chance to choose from a selection of fun treats and small prizes, ranging from special snacks to fun school supplies and small games.\r\n\r\nThe moment the students walked into the classroom on Celebration Day was absolutely priceless. Their eyes lit up, and a buzz of excitement filled the room. Many gasped with delight, pointing out their favorite treats and excitedly chattering with their friends about what they would choose. One student, Dava, who had worked incredibly hard to improve her reading this year, beamed as she picked out a new chapter book and a bag of her favorite candy. \"This is the best day ever!\" she exclaimed, a huge smile on her face. It was incredibly rewarding to see their joy and to know that your generosity made such a tangible difference in their spirits.\r\n\r\nThis project not only provided a delightful send-off but also reinforced the idea that their efforts are seen, valued, and celebrated. As we look ahead to the next school year, the positive impact of this celebration will carry forward. We plan to build on this spirit of recognition by implementing a new \"Monthly Milestone\" program, where students will earn small rewards throughout the year for achieving personal and academic goals, culminating in another exciting end-of-year celebration.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for being a vital part of our school community and for helping us make our students feel truly special.","fullyFundedDate":1746785725048,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-success-end-of-year-treats/9327788/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Success: End-of-Year Treats and Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903361_orig.jpg?crop=592,592,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739282812961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903361"},{"teacherId":9915113,"projectId":9094814,"letterContent":"The project \"Encouraging Positive Behavior & Learning Through Rewards\" has had a transformative impact on my students. From the moment they saw the treats and toys on display, their faces lit up with excitement and anticipation. This immediate boost in motivation is carried into their behavior and learning habits. Students began to take ownership of their actions, showing kindness to others, following classroom expectations, and putting more effort into their school work. \r\nThe reward became not just an incentive, but a symbol of their progress and achievement, reinforcing the idea that positive behavior and hard work are valued and recognized.","fullyFundedDate":1746186535608,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-positive-behavior-learning/9094814/","projectTitle":"Encouraging Positive Behavior & Learning Through Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Juariza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9915113_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738595961430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9915113"},{"teacherId":9878575,"projectId":9012778,"letterContent":"Your donation has made such a difference in our classroom! My students look forward to snack time everyday. They sometimes even ask to bring one home. Snack time with the snacks provided by you provide with a happy and fulfilling break in our day.\r\n\r\nBecause of the snacks my student are so much happier. Their bellies are getting full with sets them up for success to learn. The snacks are helping their bodies stay happy and healthy in this critical time of development for children. They are learning so much and need fuel to do so, which are are making possible! Thank you!!!","fullyFundedDate":1734842967982,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-snacks-for-kinders/9012778/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds: Snacks for Kinders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Purcell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9878575_orig.jpg?crop=2266,2266,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734570703137","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9878575"},{"teacherId":9903361,"projectId":9072513,"letterContent":"We wanted to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our \"Building Math Skills, One Block at a Time\" fraction lesson project. Thanks to you, our students are experiencing math in a whole new, engaging way!\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the Resources:\r\n\r\nThe fraction blocks you helped us acquire have transformed our math lessons from abstract concepts to tangible, hands-on learning experiences. A particularly memorable moment occurred during our introduction to equivalent fractions. We used the blocks to physically demonstrate how different fractions could represent the same amount. For example, students worked together to build a whole using halves, then compared it to a whole built with quarters. The \"aha\" moments were palpable! We then used the blocks to visually represent fractions in word problems, which significantly improved student comprehension and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\n\r\nWhen the fraction blocks arrived, the classroom erupted with excitement! The students were immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and the tactile nature of the materials. They were eager to touch, manipulate, and explore the blocks. Instead of the usual groans associated with math lessons, I saw genuine curiosity and enthusiasm. One student exclaimed, \"These are way better than just drawing circles!\" It was truly rewarding to see their initial apprehension about fractions turn into joyful exploration.\r\n\r\nNext Steps:\r\n\r\nWe're currently building on this foundation by applying our newfound understanding of fractions to real-world scenarios. We're working on a project called \"Fractional Food Fun,\" where students are designing their own pizzas and cakes, using the fraction blocks to represent different toppings and slices. They're calculating the fractions of each topping and comparing the amounts. This project not only reinforces their understanding of fractions but also encourages creativity and collaboration.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to extend this learning into more complex fraction operations, such as adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. The hands-on approach made possible by your donations will be crucial in helping students grasp these challenging concepts. We also want to use the blocks to further explore decimals and percentages, making connections across different mathematical domains.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a tangible difference in our students' learning journey. You've empowered them to see math as something they can understand and even enjoy. Thank you for investing in their future and helping us build math skills, one block at a time. We're excited to continue sharing our progress with you!\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1740778859365,"projectUrl":"project/building-math-skills-one-block-at-a-tim/9072513/","projectTitle":"Building Math Skills, One Block at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903361_orig.jpg?crop=592,592,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739282812961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903361"},{"teacherId":8877799,"projectId":8302398,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This message is late, but the meaning behind it is all the same: you have helped my students tremendously. Over the last couple of months, I have watched my classroom transform and become a library for the students. Since this project, students have been able to obtain various novels and start endless adventures. Whether they are reading a sports novel or scientific magazine, the students have started checking out books and create a love for literacy that is shown throughout the middle school floor. They check out books for themselves, their friends, and their family members, and they have shown that they are passionate about reading and improving their comprehension. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart and soul.","fullyFundedDate":1713131204450,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-their-wildest-dreams-classroom-l/8302398/","projectTitle":"Beyond Their Wildest Dreams: Classroom Library Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8877799_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709337384950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8877799"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5452","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":272,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":81,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.0,"schoolId":5452,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Washington Irving Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Washington Irving Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/washington-irving-elementary-school/5452"}