{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mark Twain Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6761074,"projectId":9608106,"letterContent":"I am writing to share my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our new laser printer and copier. In an increasingly digital world, the power of a physical document remains immense for a student's focus and retention. Your support has officially brought a \"professional print shop\" right into our classroom!\r\n\r\nWhen the printer first arrived and hummed to life, the students were absolutely mesmerized. We no longer have to rely on grainy, faded copies from an overworked communal machine; my students now have professional-grade materials they are proud to keep in their binders.\r\n\r\nWe use this printer every day to bridge the gap between digital research and physical creation. For example, during a recent Student-Led Research Project, students were able to instantly print primary source documents to annotate them by hand.\r\n\r\nHaving this resource in our room has changed my teaching by allowing for \"just-in-time\" support. If I notice a student is struggling with a concept, I can immediately print a modified graphic organizer or a visual scaffold tailored specifically to their needs. This level of responsiveness was simply impossible when I had to leave the room to use the shared copier.\r\n\r\nYou haven't just given us a piece of technology; you've given us a way to celebrate student voices and make learning tangible. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1755744447954,"projectUrl":"project/print-copy-learn-equipping-our-classr/9608106/","projectTitle":"Print, Copy, Learn: Equipping Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6761074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645298420231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6761074"},{"teacherId":6761074,"projectId":9801328,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your \"colorful\" investment in our classroom. Thanks to your generosity, our new printer ink and toner have officially arrived and are already hard at work!\r\n\r\nBefore this project was funded, I often had to limit what I printed to save on costs. Now, my students are able to see their work come to life in full color. Whether it's printing high-resolution photos for their science journals or creating vibrant anchor charts that help visual learners grasp tough concepts, this ink is making a daily difference.\r\n\r\nThe look on a student's face when they see their digital creation printed out in crisp, professional quality is priceless. You haven't just provided office supplies; you've provided the tools for my students to take pride in their work.","fullyFundedDate":1760925463466,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-learning-flowing-with-ink-/9801328/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Learning Flowing with Ink & Toner for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6761074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645298420231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6761074"},{"teacherId":3042570,"projectId":9907131,"letterContent":"On behalf of my kindergarten classroom, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. In kindergarten, we aren't just learning the \"basics\"—we are building the very foundation of how these children view learning for the rest of their lives.\r\n\r\nYour donation of high-quality literacy, math, and writing tools provides my students with the tactile, hands-on experiences they need to succeed. Here is the specific impact your gift is making in our classroom. \r\n\r\nIn kindergarten, numbers can feel very abstract. The Balance Math Toys and Numberblocks Stacking Game turn math into a physical reality. Writing is one of the most challenging fine motor skills for a five-year-old to master. Your gift addresses this from every angle:\r\n\r\nThe Ticonderoga Short Triangular Pencils and Mr. Pen Pencil Grips are game-changers. They are ergonomically designed for small hands, helping students develop the correct \"tripod grip\" without the frustration of hand fatigue.\r\n\r\nThe Sandpaper Letters and Numbers allow my students to \"feel\" the shape of a letter before they ever pick up a pencil. This multisensory approach is vital for early literacy and memory retention.\r\n\r\nWith the Primary Journal Notebooks and the massive Crayola Classpack, students can bridge the gap between drawing and writing. Having a heavy-duty AFMAT Electric Sharpener means we spend less time \"fixing\" tools and more time using them.","fullyFundedDate":1764080773708,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-young-learners/9907131/","projectTitle":"Tools for Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rueda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3042570_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x424,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1570126164102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-t-garcia"},{"teacherId":3042570,"projectId":9897458,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project! Because of you, our kindergarten classroom is being transformed into a vibrant, sensory-rich environment where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has provided the essential tools we need to support the \"whole child\"—from their social-emotional well-being to their hands-on academic growth. \r\n\r\nThe ABC Alphabet, Numbers & Shapes Rug and the Circle Time Center Pocket Chart have become the heart of our classroom. This designated space provides my students with a consistent \"home base\" for our morning meetings. Having a bright, organized area for group lessons helps my kindergartners focus and feel like they are part of a community.\r\n\r\nKindergarteners learn best when their hands are busy. Your gift has brought magic back into our \"work\":\r\n\r\nThe Sensory Activity Table & LEGO DUPLOs: These tools are the highlight of our day! Whether they are building towers or exploring textures in the water/sand buckets, students are developing fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThe Giant Magnetic Ten Frame makes math lessons \"larger than life.\" Being able to move physical magnets on the whiteboard helps students visualize numbers in a way a worksheet never could.\r\n\r\nI am especially grateful for the Eureka 3-in-1 Vacuum and the Glitter. Often, teachers shy away from high-engagement (but messy) projects. With a reliable vacuum and plenty of glitter, I can say \"yes\" to creative, sparkly art projects and sensory table exploration, knowing that we can clean up our space in minutes!\r\n\r\nYour kindness has direct, daily impact on my students' smiles and their love for school. Thank you for choosing to invest in our classroom and for making these \"big dreams\" a reality for my little learners.","fullyFundedDate":1763853611817,"projectUrl":"project/new-classroom-many-supplies-needed/9897458/","projectTitle":"New Classroom, Many Supplies Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rueda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3042570_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x424,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1570126164102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-t-garcia"},{"teacherId":3042570,"projectId":9909187,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project! Because of you, our kindergarten classroom is being transformed into a vibrant, sensory-rich environment where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has provided the essential tools we need to support the \"whole child\"—from their social-emotional well-being to their hands-on academic growth. \r\n\r\nThe ABC Alphabet, Numbers & Shapes Rug and the Circle Time Center Pocket Chart have become the heart of our classroom. This designated space provides my students with a consistent \"home base\" for our morning meetings. Having a bright, organized area for group lessons helps my kindergartners focus and feel like they are part of a community.\r\n\r\nKindergarteners learn best when their hands are busy. Your gift has brought magic back into our \"work\":\r\n\r\nThe Sensory Activity Table & LEGO DUPLOs: These tools are the highlight of our day! Whether they are building towers or exploring textures in the water/sand buckets, students are developing fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThe Giant Magnetic Ten Frame makes math lessons \"larger than life.\" Being able to move physical magnets on the whiteboard helps students visualize numbers in a way a worksheet never could.\r\n\r\nI am especially grateful for the Eureka 3-in-1 Vacuum and the Glitter. Often, teachers shy away from high-engagement (but messy) projects. With a reliable vacuum and plenty of glitter, I can say \"yes\" to creative, sparkly art projects and sensory table exploration, knowing that we can clean up our space in minutes!\r\n\r\nYour kindness has direct, daily impact on my students' smiles and their love for school. Thank you for choosing to invest in our classroom and for making these \"big dreams\" a reality for my little learners.","fullyFundedDate":1769177194374,"projectUrl":"project/new-classroom-new-centers-and-new-start/9909187/","projectTitle":"New Classroom, New Centers and New Start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rueda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3042570_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x424,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1570126164102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-t-garcia"},{"teacherId":6761074,"projectId":9739165,"letterContent":"I am writing to you with a heart full of gratitude and a classroom full of organized books! Thank you so much for providing the sturdy book bins that have completely transformed our reading nook.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, and the students saw the bright new bins, there was an audible \"Whoa!\" from the class. One of my students even asked, \"Is our library becoming a real bookstore now?\" That excitement shifted the energy of our entire morning. We spent time together sorting our books by genre and series, and seeing the students take ownership of \"their\" library was a highlight of my month.\r\n\r\nThese bins have changed the way we move through our day. Instead of students digging through stacks and getting frustrated, they can now quickly find exactly what they're looking for. Because of these materials, I have been able to accomplish a level of classroom equity I've been striving for; every student, regardless of their reading level, can now easily navigate our library and find a book that fits them perfectly. \r\n\r\nNow that our library is functional and beautiful, our next step is a \"Genre Challenge.\" Each student has a goal to \"tour\" every bin in the library over the next month, trying out a mystery, a biography, and a graphic novel. Your generosity has laid the literal foundation for this challenge, and I can't wait to see which new worlds my students discover next.","fullyFundedDate":1758893995875,"projectUrl":"project/every-student-deserves-their-own-book-bi/9739165/","projectTitle":"Every Student Deserves Their Own Book Bin","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6761074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645298420231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6761074"},{"teacherId":9286147,"projectId":9683185,"letterContent":"When the students saw the Gingerbread Man Problem STEM kit they immediately got their thinking hats on. I saw one student thoughtfully read through the directions and listening to his partners. He was observing them through trial and error. It did take the student time to voice his thoughts but with the SLP modeling and going over team expectations. It was not long before the student informed his team that he knew how to get the Gingerbread man across. \r\n\r\nI am thankful for these resources as I embed them in therapy. They have allowed the students to be critical thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1757553898557,"projectUrl":"project/stem-goodies/9683185/","projectTitle":"STEM Goodies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9286147"},{"teacherId":5150003,"projectId":9586067,"letterContent":"My students and I get so excited to open new things that are sent our way from generous donors such as yourself. The smiles on their faces have given me an early Christmas present. \r\n\r\nThe games and books are used in the classroom and some of the books will be distributed to individuals as behavior reinforcement. As a provider of speech services adding these extras to my classroom is vital as resources continue to be cut. \r\n\r\nI will also be letting the children's families know that your have been thinking of their children.","fullyFundedDate":1762267638535,"projectUrl":"project/games-and-books-to-better-our-speech-the/9586067/","projectTitle":"Games and Books to Better Our Speech Therapy Sessions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5150003_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628525079536","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5150003"},{"teacherId":295654,"projectId":9220586,"letterContent":"When our new board games arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! They immediately gathered around to see which games we received and began discussing which ones they wanted to play first. Many of my English learners were especially eager, as these games provide a fun and low-stress way to practice reading, speaking, and problem-solving in English while collaborating with their classmates. The joy and laughter in the room that day were priceless.\r\n\r\nSince then, we've been using the board games regularly during small-group centers and as part of our social-emotional learning time. The games have helped students strengthen their communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills while also building stronger relationships with one another. It's been wonderful to see English and Spanish speakers working together naturally, using both languages to explain rules, solve problems, and celebrate each other's successes.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using the games as part of our \"Fun Friday\" enrichment sessions, where students will design their own mini-tournaments and even create new rule variations. These board games have brought so much joy and connection to our classroom community, and I'm deeply grateful to our donors for helping make learning feel exciting and meaningful for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1753382799637,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-boosting-learning-and-fun-with/9220586/","projectTitle":"Game On! Boosting Learning and Fun With Board Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. D.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp295654_orig.jpg?crop=436,436,x0,y65&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743463055180","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ngdrak"},{"teacherId":128332,"projectId":9317934,"letterContent":"Words cannot express my gratitude for your generosity! This gift card to teacher pay teachers have been so useful to my teaching and my students.\r\n\r\nAs teaching has becomes more and more digital, teachers pay teachers have become a valuable resource in my classroom. Being able to use already finished lessons and being able to tweak them has saved me so much time that I can devote to other lesson planning, grading, and communicating with parents. This gift card has been a huge help.\r\n\r\nThank you again for help in funding this special project","fullyFundedDate":1746494295759,"projectUrl":"project/resources-to-engage-in-learning/9317934/","projectTitle":"Resources to Engage in Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-cius"},{"teacherId":9286147,"projectId":9265680,"letterContent":"Thank you for this support. The students have enjoyed looking and turning the pages of the books. I have enjoyed seeing their faces light up when they see images that they enjoy. They especially enjoy the puppets that came with the book \"I went Walking\". This has been an amazing experience for the students. In addition to that, my Spanish speakers also enjoy the books \"From Head to Toe\" and \"Brown Bear, brown bear\". \r\n\r\nThis has been an amazing experience for the students. Getting their hands to see a book and to learn that the words have meaning.","fullyFundedDate":1745836794458,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-prek/9265680/","projectTitle":"Books for Prek","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9286147"},{"teacherId":8924072,"projectId":8958732,"letterContent":"Our SEL group was a success because of you! \r\n\r\nYour generous contribution was instrumental in strengthening our efforts to equip students with critical life skills, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we were able to provide fun activities that help us relax, and teach lessons that made our school an even better place. We are so grateful for your kindness!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for being apart of our SEL journey this past school year.","fullyFundedDate":1733253093945,"projectUrl":"project/creating-wise-minds-through-sel-group-in/8958732/","projectTitle":"Creating Wise Minds Through SEL Group Interventions!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCline","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8924072_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674622709861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8924072"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5343","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":870,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":90,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.7,"schoolId":5343,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mark Twain Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mark Twain Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/mark-twain-elementary-school/5343"}