{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Woodson South Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8316749,"projectId":9614124,"letterContent":"From the heart of a school counselor. I am grateful to each of you for supporting \"From Stress to Success: Creating a Calm Corner for Kids\" project. Your generosity has truly transformed the environment—creating a Calm Corner for the students at Woodson Elementary School on the South-Side of Chicago! \r\n\r\n\r\nBefore this project, the area was empty—just a hard table sitting in a corner. Now, because of your contributions, it's become a warm and inviting safe space. The LED lights give it a cozy feel. \r\n\r\nFor those unfamiliar, a Calm Corner in an elementary setting is a safe, designated space where students can go to de-stress, take a mental break, and refocus. It helps children learn to regulate emotions and practice self-care in a supportive, structured way. Students now have a place where they can sit quietly, breathe, and take a moment to themselves—turning challenging days into opportunities for growth and reflection.\r\n\r\n\r\nStudents have been smiling from ear to ear, saying this is so nice! It's an instant upgrade. Students said it's just what the room needed and now it looks like \"a real counselor's office.\" Even some of my co-workers have chimed in and said, \"This was such a great idea!\" and \"It makes such a huge difference.\"\r\n\r\n\r\nAgain, your donation has helped me create something meaningful—a resource that will be used daily to support the emotional well-being of our students. \r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for compassion and caring.","fullyFundedDate":1760304641533,"projectUrl":"project/from-stress-to-success-creating-a-calm/9614124/","projectTitle":"\"From Stress to Success: Creating A Calm Corner for Kids\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lanier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8316749_orig.png?crop=571,571,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1644035911818","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8316749"},{"teacherId":4164772,"projectId":2375219,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our music classroom has been filled with excitement and new sounds! With the addition of our new recorders, students are now able to practice melody, rhythm, and ensemble skills in ways we could only imagine before.\r\n\r\nThe first day the recorders arrived, you should have seen the looks on the students' faces—wide eyes, big smiles, and pure joy at holding their very own instrument. Many of them proudly said, \"This is my first instrument ever!\" That moment was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nSince then, we've begun a class project called \"Recorder Ensemble,\" where students learn to play short songs together as a group. They've been working hard on mastering the notes B, A, and G, and we recently had our first full-class performance of \"Hot Cross Buns.\" The pride on their faces as they played in unison showed just how meaningful these recorders are.\r\n\r\nYour support has given our students more than just instruments—you've given them confidence, teamwork, and the joy of making music together. Our next steps are to build on these skills by introducing new songs and preparing for a classroom \"mini-recital,\" where students will perform for their peers and families.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' growth and creativity. Because of you, our classroom is full of music, laughter, and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1482345210422,"projectUrl":"project/music-for-everyone/2375219/","projectTitle":"Music For Everyone","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rimmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4164772_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713221757589","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4164772"},{"teacherId":10181395,"projectId":9613965,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generosity in funding our new color printer. Because of your support, my students now see vocabulary words paired with vibrant true-to-life image and also articles enriched with colorful pictures that bring each topic to life. \r\n\r\nThis added color has made a remarkable difference, students are more engaged. They understand new words more easily, and their excitement for reading and learning grows each day. \r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my classroom and for helping create visually rich environment where every student can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1757540702807,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-science-for-curious-minds/9613965/","projectTitle":"Colorful Science for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Secando","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10181395_orig.jpg?crop=1811,1811,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755391653009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10181395"},{"teacherId":9192050,"projectId":9057944,"letterContent":"I am so excited because at the beginning of the year, ALL of my students were able to test using headphones. I and so elated that you helped my students be able to focus without distraction because of your donation.\r\n\r\nAt the end of last year, I was unable to give each student a set of headphones for end of year testing. My project was approved at the end of the school year. I stored them, numbered them and now have a wonderful system in place for students to utilize them.\r\n\r\nI really appreciate your act of kindness toward my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746699667479,"projectUrl":"project/listening-for-progress/9057944/","projectTitle":"Listening for Progress","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9192050_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721403410564","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9192050"},{"teacherId":6451076,"projectId":8599357,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, this project has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience. Here's what your contribution has helped accomplish:\r\n\r\nIt's brought learning to life. With the new resources, students are more engaged, confident, and excited to participate. Whether it was books, technology, flexible seating, or science kits—your donation gave them tools they wouldn't otherwise have access to.\r\n\r\nThe change has been immediate and inspiring. Students are showing greater curiosity and enthusiasm. One student even said, \"This makes learning actually fun!\"—a reminder of how important these tools are in keeping them motivated.\r\n\r\nWe've seen improved collaboration, increased reading time, and more hands-on exploration. Struggling students are now participating more actively, and some have made measurable progress in reading and math. The classroom feels more inclusive and responsive to their needs.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a richer, more equitable learning environment. For many of our students, these are opportunities they don't have at home. You've helped level the playing field—and that's priceless.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, **thank you** for believing in our classroom and investing in the future of our students.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMiss S\r\nIntermediate Educator","fullyFundedDate":1730938978092,"projectUrl":"project/balls-to-the-wall/8599357/","projectTitle":"Balls to the Wall","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6451076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597242002220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6451076"},{"teacherId":6451076,"projectId":8756885,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, this project has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience. Here's what your contribution has helped accomplish:\r\n\r\nIt's brought learning to life. With the new resources, students are more engaged, confident, and excited to participate. Whether it was books, technology, flexible seating, or science kits—your donation gave them tools they wouldn't otherwise have access to.\r\n\r\nThe change has been immediate and inspiring. Students are showing greater curiosity and enthusiasm. One student even said, \"This makes learning actually fun!\"—a reminder of how important these tools are in keeping them motivated.\r\n\r\nWe've seen improved collaboration, increased reading time, and more hands-on exploration. Struggling students are now participating more actively, and some have made measurable progress in reading and math. The classroom feels more inclusive and responsive to their needs.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a richer, more equitable learning environment. For many of our students, these are opportunities they don't have at home. You've helped level the playing field—and that's priceless.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, **thank you** for believing in our classroom and investing in the future of our students.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMiss S\r\nIntermediate Educator","fullyFundedDate":1727191966410,"projectUrl":"project/english-language-learners-visuals/8756885/","projectTitle":"English Language Learners Visuals","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6451076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597242002220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6451076"},{"teacherId":6451076,"projectId":8742281,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, this project has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience. Here's what your contribution has helped accomplish:\r\n\r\nIt's brought learning to life. With the new resources, students are more engaged, confident, and excited to participate. Whether it was books, technology, flexible seating, or science kits—your donation gave them tools they wouldn't otherwise have access to.\r\n\r\nThe change has been immediate and inspiring. Students are showing greater curiosity and enthusiasm. One student even said, \"This makes learning actually fun!\"—a reminder of how important these tools are in keeping them motivated.\r\n\r\nWe've seen improved collaboration, increased reading time, and more hands-on exploration. Struggling students are now participating more actively, and some have made measurable progress in reading and math. The classroom feels more inclusive and responsive to their needs.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a richer, more equitable learning environment. For many of our students, these are opportunities they don't have at home. You've helped level the playing field—and that's priceless.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, **thank you** for believing in our classroom and investing in the future of our students.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMiss S\r\nIntermediate Educator","fullyFundedDate":1725902058694,"projectUrl":"project/translation-tool/8742281/","projectTitle":"Translation Tool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6451076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597242002220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6451076"},{"teacherId":9298052,"projectId":8792414,"letterContent":"The challenges we faced as an inner public school is limited funding for educational resources outside of the basics supplies. As time goes on technology and updated resources will benefit our children's learning experiences and connections to the real world. Our students were able to answer open-ended questions and discuss what they understood about money and relatable resources they can use in their everyday life. They created and operated a super market, exchange funds for goods, learned about Needs vs Wants. They worked as a group and shared their experiences with their family and friends","fullyFundedDate":1728940762937,"projectUrl":"project/developing-preschoolers-financial-liter/8792414/","projectTitle":"Developing Preschoolers' Financial Literacy Experiences Through Play Based Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hubbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9298052_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704740866988","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9298052"},{"teacherId":9298052,"projectId":8748605,"letterContent":"Our Preschool class truly appreciated everyone's donations to help build their science lab. The science lab was needed to give students the hands-on experiences that they need to connect to the real world. We were able to have enough equipment so that groups could routine in and out the centers, choose from several objects, and the quality stood against bumps and drops to the floor. We smile because we learn through play and having durable learning materials has been a great help. The technology the we received also links with our creative curriculum and standards. Students are learning to explore and enjoy learning using STEM activities.","fullyFundedDate":1725939909565,"projectUrl":"project/discovering-stem-through-coding-and-robo/8748605/","projectTitle":"Discovering Stem Through Coding and Robotics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hubbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9298052_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704740866988","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9298052"},{"teacherId":9345842,"projectId":8768268,"letterContent":"First of all, thank you for supporting this project. My students were so delighted to see the classroom with an improved corner. The students themselves created a rule in using the corner like removing their shoes before stepping on the carpet, designating their seats for themselves and others. They were so excited that it made them feel it is their corner and that they have to care for it. It motivates them to read books in our library corner as well. \r\n\r\nCommunity and relationship building is formed in this corner...I love it! This project would definitely be maximized by other students for the coming years.","fullyFundedDate":1733245350768,"projectUrl":"project/2-in-1-library-and-calm-corner-for-dl/8768268/","projectTitle":"2 in 1: Library and Calm Corner for Dl Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tacusalme","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9345842"},{"teacherId":9345842,"projectId":8679431,"letterContent":"First of all, thank you for supporting this project. My students were so delighted to see the classroom with an improved corner. The students themselves created a rule in using the corner like removing their shoes before stepping on the carpet, designating their seats for themselves and others. They were so excited that it made them feel it is their corner and that they have to care for it. It motivates them to read books in our library corner as well. \r\n\r\nCommunity and relationship building is formed in this corner...I love it! This project would definitely be maximized by other students for the coming years.","fullyFundedDate":1733245175809,"projectUrl":"project/calm-corner-calm-mind-and-body/8679431/","projectTitle":"Calm Corner - Calm Mind and Body","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tacusalme","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9345842"},{"teacherId":9207169,"projectId":7710084,"letterContent":"\"Paris\" was the highlight of my learning environmet and the Impact was monumental! Everyone loved the concept of providing this safe place in the classroom for students to cool down, especially the students! \r\n\r\nThey loved the space, the visuals and all of the manipulatives from the area! Students found themselves gravitating to the area not just for their social emotional needs but learning as well. Instead of traditional seating, students did individual reading and small groups here where they help each other with reading and math foundational skills!\r\nNot only was \"Paris\" a highlight of my students day, it inspired other teachers to create a more welcoming space in their classrooms. Soon after alternative lightening, rugs and comfy chairs/stools were seen in most of the classrooms I visited! \r\n \r\nI really enjoyed providing this space i that included art, designer items and lights. The fidgets and other colorful manipulative were like icing on the cake for their inquisitive minds! The parents were also very grateful when they visited, Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1692654053026,"projectUrl":"project/im-going-to-paris/7710084/","projectTitle":"I'm Going to Paris!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9207169_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738470426112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/pamelaann1o1"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5720","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":296,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":93,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.4,"schoolId":5720,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Woodson South Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Woodson South Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/woodson-south-elementary-school/5720"}