{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Old Post Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":85.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":10246675,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to The DonorsChoose Community for funding our classroom STEM project!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students in grades 3–5 now have exciting opportunities to learn science through exploration, building, problem-solving, and discovery. The bridge builders, solar cars, puzzles, science viewers, and magnetic solar system have made abstract STEM concepts more concrete and engaging for our students.\r\n\r\nOur students have been excited to explore the materials, test their ideas, and see the results of their thinking. These hands-on experiences have encouraged them to ask questions, work together, make predictions, solve problems, and learn from trial and error. Watching students become excited about figuring out how something works has been one of the most rewarding parts of this project.\r\n\r\nThe materials have been especially valuable for our autistic learners and multilingual learners because they provide multiple ways to access and demonstrate learning through visuals, movement, modeling, hands-on exploration, and collaboration. Students are able to participate at their own level while building communication, vocabulary, teamwork, confidence, and critical-thinking skills.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us create a classroom where students can explore, experiment, and discover. Thank you for investing in our students and giving them opportunities to experience STEM in meaningful and memorable ways. We are incredibly grateful to The DonorsChoose Community for helping make these learning experiences possible!","fullyFundedDate":1778025507133,"projectUrl":"project/stem-discovery-zone/10246675/","projectTitle":"STEM Discovery Zone","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"},{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":10294432,"letterContent":"Our students have been using the new insect resources to explore the fascinating world of insects and life cycles. Earlier this year, our class had the opportunity to explore nature bins from a local museum, and the students were completely fascinated by the insects, habitats, and living specimens they observed. That experience sparked a lasting interest in insects and living things.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our insect and life cycle studies, students are using the insect specimens and books to observe details, compare different insects, identify body structures, and learn how living things grow and change. One of the most exciting moments has been watching students closely examine the specimens and then use their observations to ask questions and share what they notice. Their excitement and curiosity have made science a truly engaging part of our school day.","fullyFundedDate":1787259551097,"projectUrl":"project/nature-detectives-investigating-life-cy/10294432/","projectTitle":"Nature Detectives: Investigating Life Cycles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"},{"teacherId":10334113,"projectId":10141674,"letterContent":"These new books and book supplies have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom! My students are using the books during small-group instruction, classroom rotations, and independent activities to build vocabulary, comprehension, communication, and engagement. We especially love using the books to practice identifying and labeling pictures, answering WH-questions, making comments, and using their communication devices to participate in shared reading.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were excited to see the colorful new books and immediately wanted to explore them. One of my favorite moments was watching students who sometimes have difficulty attending to activities become interested in looking through the pages and participating in the lesson. The books provide a motivating way for students to practice important communication skills while participating in an activity that feels fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building on this interest by using the books throughout our daily routines and connecting them to current classroom themes and lessons. Students will continue working on vocabulary, answering questions, making comments, requesting, and communicating their wants and needs. We are so grateful to our donors for helping make learning more engaging and accessible for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1776193826372,"projectUrl":"project/building-words-through-books/10141674/","projectTitle":"Building Words Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nicole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10334113"},{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":9968980,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through this project! Because of your generosity, I have been able to purchase high-quality Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources that have made learning more engaging and meaningful for my 3rd and 4th grade students. These standards-aligned materials, including interactive centers, Google Slides, digital books, videos, and learning games, have helped me provide instruction that meets each student's individual learning needs. Technology has allowed my students to actively participate in lessons instead of simply completing worksheets, making learning more interactive and motivating.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest highlights this year was using TPT resources during our caterpillar life cycle unit. As students observed our classroom caterpillars each day, they used interactive journals and visual supports to record observations and discuss the different stages of the life cycle. These activities sparked meaningful conversations, strengthened communication skills, and encouraged students to ask questions and share their discoveries with one another. The engaging digital resources helped bring science to life and kept students excited to learn every day.\r\n\r\nThe TPT materials also supported learning across other subject areas. In math, students practiced solving word problems and multi-digit multiplication using engaging, differentiated activities that built both confidence and problem-solving skills. In reading, interactive Google Slides and digital literacy activities provided extra practice with decoding words containing digraphs, blends, and vowel teams while helping students become more fluent readers. Several students who were previously hesitant to participate became more willing to engage because the activities were interactive, visually appealing, and allowed them to experience success at their own level. Your generosity has provided my students with resources that make learning accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful. Thank you for investing in their education and helping them grow academically and confidently each day!","fullyFundedDate":1774971309813,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-resources-that-will-help-us-blast-of/9968980/","projectTitle":"TPT Resources that will help us Blast Off in 2026","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"},{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":10155383,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving our class Charlotte's Web. This is our first novel study, and we just finished reading the book together.\r\n\r\nWe learned new vocabulary words, answered questions about the story, and practiced understanding characters and events. We also listened to the story read aloud and talked about what was happening in each chapter.\r\n\r\nWe really enjoyed Charlotte's Web, especially learning about friendship between Wilbur and Charlotte. Many students liked listening to the story and sharing their ideas during class.\r\n\r\nBecause we just finished this book, I already have big plans for next year. We are excited to read Freckle Juice and books about Ivan.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us learn, grow as readers, and enjoy reading together.","fullyFundedDate":1773878383814,"projectUrl":"project/visual-novel-studies-for-special-educati/10155383/","projectTitle":"Visual Novel Studies for Special Education Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"},{"teacherId":9749436,"projectId":10039103,"letterContent":"Thanks so much for funding my project. I have been spending an increasing amount of time with students that are navigating many emotional journeys. A creative approach to supporting each student is what I am aiming to do. \r\nWith these items you so generously funded, I put together a big feelings cart I am able to use with the many students I interact with. The fidgets are going to be distributed to several students in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month. The students really appreciate it when we can incorporate some fun in our sensory tools to help them feel regulated.","fullyFundedDate":1768830363787,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-tools-for-overwhelmed-s/10039103/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Tools for Overwhelmed Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hejja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9749436_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759169756081","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9749436"},{"teacherId":10334113,"projectId":9861411,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom with language tools and autism sensory supports. These resources have truly transformed how my students engage, learn, and communicate each day.\r\n\r\nWe use these materials during whole-group and small-group lessons to support participation and understanding. One of my favorite moments was during a storytime lesson when a student who typically observes quietly used a communication tool to request \"more\" and point to a picture to label a character. It was a huge, meaningful step in their communication journey. The sensory supports have also helped students stay regulated and ready to learn, allowing them to participate more fully in activities.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were immediately drawn to them—exploring, smiling, and eagerly engaging in ways that showed just how much they needed these supports.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build on this progress by using these tools to expand vocabulary, encourage longer communication exchanges, and support students in expressing their thoughts, feelings, and ideas more independently. Your support is making a lasting difference—thank you for being part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1768569322959,"projectUrl":"project/communication-comes-in-many-forms/9861411/","projectTitle":"Communication comes in many forms!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nicole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10334113"},{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":9257920,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous contributions of books to our classroom. Your support has given our students access to engaging and entertaining texts such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Man, and Catwad. These books introduce important skills and lessons, including empathy, problem-solving, resilience, and humor, while helping students understand character development, story structure, and cause-and-effect relationships. For many of our students, these stories make reading feel fun and approachable, particularly for those who have been reluctant readers. The colorful illustrations and relatable scenarios encourage students to explore ideas and concepts independently while fostering a love for reading.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become an even more dynamic and joyful experience thanks to your donations. Students can be seen laughing over the antics of their favorite characters, discussing plot twists with friends, and practicing reading strategies such as predicting, summarizing, and making connections. Several students who typically struggle with reading are now eagerly picking up books on their own and sharing stories with peers, showing increased confidence and motivation. Your generosity is helping us create a learning environment where reading is not only a skill but a source of excitement and curiosity. Thank you for making this possible and for helping our students grow as readers and learners.","fullyFundedDate":1756701050998,"projectUrl":"project/fill-our-classroom-library/9257920/","projectTitle":"Fill Our Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"},{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":9454032,"letterContent":"Thank you so much! Literacy is so important to my classroom and we so appreciate the resources that you have gifted us. These learning kits have been istrumental for my class with the diverse needs/levels everywhere from early phonics skills to comprehension. These skills not only meet on their IEP goals but also will increase their reading skills in the area of fluency and understanding what they are reading. They use these boxes during center rotations and independent work. These resources have impacted their ability to read text on a daily basis.","fullyFundedDate":1762561096721,"projectUrl":"project/building-literacy-through-engaged-learni/9454032/","projectTitle":"Building Literacy Through Engaged Learning Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"},{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":9285675,"letterContent":"Thank you for the things that provided my students with an enjoyable experience especially during these winter months. Lately there has been indoor recess due to the fridgid temperatures or kids that don't have snow pants and boots where we are unable to play outside. We also utilize the recess manipulatives and games during our fun Friday.\r\n\r\nThe giant connect four has been a big hit for my 3rd and 4th graders. They are so excited to have this in our room! I also have students who are excited about Mario when playing Jenga and uno.\r\nThank you,\r\nMs. M's Class","fullyFundedDate":1758972133359,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-recess-recharge/9285675/","projectTitle":"Indoor Recess Recharge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"},{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":9969021,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us celebrate the Lunar Chinese New Year! Your generosity is giving my students the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, traditions, and celebrations in a hands-on and engaging way. Having coloring books and other materials will allow them to explore traditions such as red envelopes, lucky coins, and the symbolism of the holiday, making the learning experience more meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nMy students are always excited to come to school, and these materials are sparking even more curiosity and engagement. Many of them are practicing new vocabulary, discussing traditions with their peers, and exploring creative ways to express what they are learning. Some students who are usually quiet during activities have especially warmed to these materials, proudly showing their work and sharing what they know about the Lunar New Year.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students are not only learning about a different culture—they are learning respect, appreciation for diversity, and the joy of exploring new traditions. Your gift is helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and I am deeply grateful for your contribution to their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1767229070252,"projectUrl":"project/chinese-lunar-new-year-2026-year-of-th/9969021/","projectTitle":"Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 : Year of the Horse","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"},{"teacherId":2868211,"projectId":9979385,"letterContent":"We just finished our owl unit and ended it with dissecting owl pellets. Thanks to all of you I was able to bring to experience to my 3rd and 4th graders. This is an experience that a textbook or curriculum can't offer. Real-world experiences in the area of bio-diversity with our bird population provides them with tactile experiences that are both engaging and educational. \r\n\r\nFirst, I showed a video on a person collecting an owl pellet in the woods and what materials were needed in order to have an investigation of what is inside of an owl pellet. The other video I showed where a person showed exactly on how to dissect the owl pellet using tools. Next, I had the students put on their gloves, gave them the mats they used for the dissecting, and matching the parts to the mat in order to identify what bone from what animal was inside the pellet. They had a lot of questions and were thoroughly fascinated by this experience. They love science and excited about the idea that they are scientists. We are so grateful for all of you!","fullyFundedDate":1768492013822,"projectUrl":"project/analyzing-the-contents-of-an-owl-pellet/9979385/","projectTitle":"Analyzing the Contents of an Owl Pellet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangialardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2868211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706328993099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868211"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28825","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":407,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":59,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":14.9,"schoolId":28825,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Old Post Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Old Post Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/community-unit-school-district-308/old-post-elementary-school/28825"}