{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Catalpa Early Childhood Center","outOfStateSupporters":14.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2193197,"projectId":10114557,"letterContent":"Our classroom is alive with the sound of music-thanks to you! With your generous donations, we are now able to provide class sets of instruments (and baskets to store them in). The students cannot contain their smiles when the egg shakers, rhythm sticks, drums, and castanets come out. They become so excited to interact with these materials, releasing energy while also learning about musical concepts such as beat and tempo. It has always been my dream to have a classroom that values music and allows students to have the opportunity to engage with music, and you've helped make that possible! Thank you for supporting our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1772547504060,"projectUrl":"project/theres-magic-in-music/10114557/","projectTitle":"There’s Magic in Music!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2193197_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771679257079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missfeldmann"},{"teacherId":2193197,"projectId":10050854,"letterContent":"This discovery table is one of THE COOLEST things in our classroom! My students are obsessed with the 3 tiers it provides, often moving items from one spot to the next, to the next, conveyer belt style. So far, we've transformed the sensory bin portion into a chick hatching station and a coffee bar. And the mirrored table is perfect for Magnatiles! The light table is in constant use-kiddos get to choose which tub of items they want to use with it. (Colored circles, letters, numbers, dominoes, etc.) The best part is the curved nature of its construction, which allows for multiple students to be present at once, either interacting with one another or playing side by side. All of these enriching experiences would not have been possible without your donation. Thank you for enhancing the learning experience for my students and for supporting our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771679639791,"projectUrl":"project/3-cheers-for-3-tiers/10050854/","projectTitle":"3 Cheers for 3-Tiers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2193197_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771679257079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missfeldmann"},{"teacherId":8030424,"projectId":9963415,"letterContent":"the generous contribution that you gave helped my students explore and discover learning through STEM related materials in a hands on and practical manner. They used the sorting trays to organize their groups of materials and demonstrate that they understand how to group items based on similar characteristics. They were also able to use the trays to neatly organize materials. They used the materials when representing ideas, bringing abstract ideas together through concrete materials. They used the lights to explore the relationship that physical properties have when interacting together and the difference between opaque and translucent materials. Open ended materials such as these go a long way in our classroom as their uses are endless.","fullyFundedDate":1766096046700,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-exploration/9963415/","projectTitle":"Sensory Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8030424_orig.png?crop=506,506,x0,y8&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690552441494","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8030424"},{"teacherId":9994825,"projectId":9782069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping fund a light table for our Pre-K classroom. Your support has provided our students with a new way to explore, create, and learn through hands-on discovery.\r\n\r\nThe light table has quickly become a favorite—sparking curiosity, strengthening fine-motor skills, and encouraging collaboration among children. We have recently been using it to create dinosaur habitats for our dinosaur-themed unit. \r\n\r\nWe are very grateful for your kindness and investment in our children and their education.","fullyFundedDate":1760226868031,"projectUrl":"project/light-table-for-little-learners/9782069/","projectTitle":"Light Table for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9994825"},{"teacherId":6780368,"projectId":9620715,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of the contributions! Because of your generosity, we were able to add these shelves to our space, which has made a meaningful difference in how the classroom functions. The shelves have allowed us to organize the extra supplies that students bring, moving items off the floor and onto clearly designated storage areas. This has created a cleaner, safer, and more accessible environment for both students and staff. With supplies properly stored, we now have additional room to display and access educational materials more easily. These improvements have helped create a more organized and effective learning space for everyone. Thanks again!!","fullyFundedDate":1758573322723,"projectUrl":"project/bathroom-shelving/9620715/","projectTitle":"Bathroom Shelving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6780368_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690998197239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6780368"},{"teacherId":6976484,"projectId":9930106,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my preschoolers now have access to joyful nursery-rhyme books and engaging literacy materials that are already making a meaningful impact in our classroom. These resources have transformed everyday moments into rich language experiences, where children sing, repeat familiar rhymes, point to pictures, and eagerly join in shared reading. For my 3-year-olds, learning through rhyme and rhythm makes literacy feel fun, safe, and exciting.\r\n\r\nFor my many multilingual learners, these materials provide visuals, repetition, and clear structure that help children understand and participate even as they are learning English. They allow me to differentiate instruction, reinforce learning through play, and ensure every child can engage meaningfully in early literacy experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting their learning. Without donors like you, this project would not have been possible. Your generosity is helping lay a strong foundation for language, literacy, and lifelong learning, and I am truly grateful for the difference you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764418066785,"projectUrl":"project/read-rhyme-repeat/9930106/","projectTitle":"Read, Rhyme, Repeat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tongta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6976484_orig.jpg?crop=1761,1761,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721340291343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tfox"},{"teacherId":6976484,"projectId":9769618,"letterContent":"The new light exploration materials help my preschoolers learn by turning abstract ideas into something they can see, touch, and experiment with. Using flashlights, mirror blocks, and a projector, children explore how light moves, reflects, and creates shadows while building early science skills through play. For many of my multilingual learners, this technology supports understanding and communication beyond words.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the children most is seeing immediate results! Watching shadows grow and change, light bounce off mirrors, and colors appear as they experimented was so much fun. Their excitement is visible in their smiles, focused attention, and eagerness to try again and again.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this experience possible and for supporting our preschoolers' learning. Your generosity is helping create joyful, meaningful opportunities for children to explore, discover, and grow with confidence!","fullyFundedDate":1761834149051,"projectUrl":"project/shining-bright-exploring-light-through/9769618/","projectTitle":"Shining Bright: Exploring Light Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tongta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6976484_orig.jpg?crop=1761,1761,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721340291343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tfox"},{"teacherId":2193197,"projectId":9428958,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations for our sit and spin and calm strips! They have been such wonderful additions to our classroom space. We created a new movement center for the sit and spin and not a day does by where a student isn't in that center! Afterwards, the children are able to use the colorful calm strips in conjunction with some breathing exercises in order to self-regulate. The positive behaviors we've seen as a result of having these materials in our space is quite beautiful and they wouldn't have been possible without your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1760704943512,"projectUrl":"project/roundabout-regulate/9428958/","projectTitle":"Roundabout & Regulate!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2193197_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771679257079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missfeldmann"},{"teacherId":6976484,"projectId":9417898,"letterContent":"This year, our classroom has been filled with discovery and joy thanks to the new light table and tuff tray your generosity provided. We use these materials in so many meaningful ways, especially to support STEM, sensory exploration, and inquiry-based learning. Before this project, our light table had broken, and the children often asked why it wasn't available anymore. It had been one of their favorite parts of the classroom. So when the new light table arrived, the excitement was instant.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite moments happened during our All About Me unit. The children used the light table to trace pictures of their favorite parts of their bodies—tiny hands, goofy smiles, wiggly feet. This simple activity supported fine motor skills, early writing, creativity, and so much confidence. They were so proud of their work, and it became a beautiful way to foster self-love and celebrate what makes each child special.\r\n\r\n.These materials have quickly become essential for sparking curiosity and supporting hands-on inquiry. As we begin our Light Study, the light table will play an even bigger role as children explore natural and artificial light, shadows, colors, and how people use light to celebrate.\r\n\r\nWithout donors like you, moments like this would never happen for our little learners. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1757549473169,"projectUrl":"project/glowing-discoveries-hands-on-light-and/9417898/","projectTitle":"Glowing Discoveries: Hands-On Light and Sensory Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tongta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6976484_orig.jpg?crop=1761,1761,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721340291343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tfox"},{"teacherId":7805728,"projectId":9152013,"letterContent":"Thank you so incredibly much for your amazing donation. The projector has totally transformed our art studio in way that I wasn't even prepared for!!! I truly can't thank you enough for your support.\r\n\r\nI have been able to engage all of my students in art in new ways with the addition of the projector. I am able to project the art of countless artists on our wall, making art immersive and larger than life! We have been able to look closely at the work of VanGough, Matisse, Keith Haring, and so many others through interactive displays on our wall. \r\n\r\nI have also been able to project the art that our students make on to our classroom wall with the projector. This has allowed children in one group of children to inspire another group, merely by showing their art with the projector. \r\n\r\nI truly can't wait to see how many other new and exciting ways that we continue to use your generous gift over the years!","fullyFundedDate":1742264867731,"projectUrl":"project/projecting-our-projects-in-our-prek-art/9152013/","projectTitle":"Projecting Our Projects in Our PreK Art Studio","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heather","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7805728_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y1008&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689456118398","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heather-madden"},{"teacherId":9994825,"projectId":9249007,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our classroom dollhouse project! Our Pre-K students were excited about this new educational and classroom toy, and were eager to explore and play with it.\r\n\r\nThe dollhouse is already becoming a central part of our dramatic play center. It encourages collaboration, language development, and social skills as the children act out familiar family roles, solve problems, and narrate their play.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping our children develop essential skills through play, and we are extremely grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1744647140226,"projectUrl":"project/doll-house-sel-project/9249007/","projectTitle":"Doll House SEL Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9994825"},{"teacherId":9126623,"projectId":8629354,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Big Book Project! Because of your donation, our preschoolers now have access to engaging big books that truly capture their attention. The large, colorful pages make stories come alive and allow all of our students to see the words and illustrations clearly, keeping them captivated and excited about reading together.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the book stand has also made a huge difference. Instead of having to hold the book, we can now focus fully on guiding discussions, asking questions, and encouraging students to participate. This simple but powerful change allows us to create a more interactive and meaningful literacy experience for every child.\r\n\r\nYour support has enriched our classroom and is helping us build a strong foundation for a lifelong love of reading. We are so grateful for your kindness and investment in our students' learning!","fullyFundedDate":1728078739337,"projectUrl":"project/big-pages-of-possibilities/8629354/","projectTitle":"Big Pages of Possibilities!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9126623_orig.jpg?crop=1258,1258,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690732955682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandra-ramirez2024"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130512","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":34,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":85.4,"schoolId":130512,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Catalpa Early Childhood Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Catalpa Early Childhood Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/st-cornelius-early-learning-center/130512"}