{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Montessori Magnet School - Lincoln","outOfStateSupporters":31.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5707836,"projectId":9713360,"letterContent":"When the Makedo set arrived, my students were immediately drawn in by the bright tools and possibilities inside the box. Several students gasped, and one blurted out, \"We get to BUILD with these?!\" They couldn't wait to hold the tools, test the connectors, and imagine what they might create. Many of my students don't have access to maker tools at home, so seeing real cutting tools, scru-drivers, and connectors designed just for kids felt exciting and empowering. Their enthusiasm filled the room before we even opened the first piece of cardboard.\r\n\r\nWe are now using the Makedo resources during our hands-on engineering and design challenges. Our first project was a \"Mini Community Build,\" where students worked in small groups to design and construct buildings for a collaborative cardboard city. I watched students who often struggle with engagement become leaders—measuring pieces, discussing stability, and troubleshooting how to make their structures stand upright. One group proudly built a library with sliding doors, while another created a tiny recycling center using only scrap cardboard. The tools allowed them to safely cut, connect, and rebuild as many times as needed, giving them the freedom to experiment without fear of mistakes.\r\n\r\nOur next step is moving into a full prototype and redesign cycle. Students will sketch an invention, build a first draft using cardboard and Makedo tools, test it, and then revise their designs based on real-world criteria. This will connect directly to our STEM standards around engineering, problem-solving, and design thinking. Because these tools are reusable, students can continue to take creative risks, collaborate with peers, and bring bigger ideas to life throughout the year. Thank you for helping make this type of learning possible—your support has truly unlocked a world of creativity and innovation for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1759072726711,"projectUrl":"project/building-creativity-with-cardboard-make/9713360/","projectTitle":"Building Creativity with Cardboard: Makedo Makerspace for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5707836_orig.jpg?crop=467,467,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732151436159","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5707836"},{"teacherId":5707836,"projectId":9647330,"letterContent":"When our new portable stools arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement. They immediately began unfolding them, testing the straps, and pretending to \"claim their spot\" for outdoor journaling. Several students cheered, and one even said, \"Now we can actually sit and not lose our papers in the wind!\" Their reactions showed just how much these simple tools would change our outdoor learning time.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting the stools to great use during our nature journaling and observation lessons. Each week, as weather permits, students head outside with their science notebooks, pencils, and stools. Instead of shifting uncomfortably on the ground or rushing through entries, they now settle into a comfortable seat, take a deep breath, and begin noticing the world around them—plants, insects, cloud patterns, textures, sounds, and movement.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments so far happened during our \"Tiny Worlds\" observation project, where students choose a small patch of ground and sketch everything they see. A student who struggles to stay focused whispered, \"This is the first time I can actually see everything without fidgeting.\" He spent nearly twenty minutes sketching an ant trail and writing about how ants communicate. That level of calm engagement wasn't possible before.","fullyFundedDate":1757775594598,"projectUrl":"project/pull-up-a-stool-journaling-in-nature/9647330/","projectTitle":"Pull Up a Stool: Journaling in Nature","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5707836_orig.jpg?crop=467,467,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732151436159","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5707836"},{"teacherId":3042681,"projectId":9740740,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support for our classroom. With your kindness and generosity we were able to receive a much needed refresh for our Geometry kits. We were down to only a few usable Sharpies to share. That was seriously delaying our lessons. \r\n\r\nBecause of you each student has their own new materials to complete their constructions and drawings. We are so grateful that you turned your belief in us into actions. You've taught the students that community is important and that we should support one another. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1760626354436,"projectUrl":"project/geometry-refresh/9740740/","projectTitle":"Geometry Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Selock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3042681_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541647791944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tracy-selock"},{"teacherId":3042681,"projectId":9459327,"letterContent":"Oh my goodness! My students are gobbling up the puzzles. It is so incredibly exciting to watch them light up when they are trying to use logic and reasoning to solve puzzles. They are actually asking for the puzzles instead of wanting to use their available technology!\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in the learning of my students. They are wonderful young people that deserve wonderful opportunities to learn and grow. Without your kindness we wouldn't have been able to procure the puzzles. Now on to the problem of them wanting more! What a wonderful problem to have.","fullyFundedDate":1752671533570,"projectUrl":"project/more-math/9459327/","projectTitle":"More Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Selock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3042681_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541647791944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tracy-selock"},{"teacherId":3042681,"projectId":9245815,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting the excitement of reading in our classroom. Without your kindness and generosity we would not have access to next year's Rebecca Caudill Award Nominees. \r\n\r\nThis gift of books is just what we need to reinvigorate our students. We are working to help students find the joy in print. Having the books at our fingertips is a wonderful gift. We thank you for supporting us and investing in their futures. \r\n\r\nThe students were so excited when the boxes arrived. They were ready to read on the very last day of school!","fullyFundedDate":1746833904776,"projectUrl":"project/next-years-book-award-nominees-please/9245815/","projectTitle":"Next Year's Book Award Nominees, Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Selock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3042681_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541647791944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tracy-selock"},{"teacherId":3042681,"projectId":9057991,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom. The classroom refresh arrived just in time and 'was just what we needed. The markers were especially a big hit and have helped us to be excited about solving problems! We are organized and supplied and are powering through the rest of the year with a renewed energy. The students and I know just how lucky we are to have the We couldn't be who we are without the support of generous people like you. Thank you for supporting what we dog in and for believing in us.","fullyFundedDate":1739563381044,"projectUrl":"project/midyear-classroom-refresh/9057991/","projectTitle":"Midyear Classroom Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Selock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3042681_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541647791944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tracy-selock"},{"teacherId":5707836,"projectId":8957327,"letterContent":"I sincerely thank you for your generosity and support in helping us bring new rugs into our 5th/6th-grade Montessori classroom. Your gift has made a real difference, and I am excited to share the impact with you.\r\n\r\nIn a Montessori environment, the classroom is often called the \"second teacher.\" Every piece, including the rugs, is vital in how students learn, collaborate, and grow. Our new rugs have transformed our space into a more welcoming, comfortable, and flexible environment. Students use the rugs daily for independent work, small group projects, reading, and quiet reflection. They now have a designated, comfortable area to focus, collaborate respectfully, and feel more ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nFor many students, the simple comfort of sitting or working on a rug has created a more peaceful and engaging learning experience. It has helped support the Montessori principles of freedom within limits and respectful movement throughout the classroom. The rugs have become small but powerful tools in fostering independence, concentration, and collaboration — all essential parts of our classroom culture.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided a physical resource but also sent a powerful message to our students: their learning matters, their environment matters, and a community of people believes in their potential.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my incredible students and me, thank you again for investing in our classroom. You have truly made an impact, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1738778649038,"projectUrl":"project/planting-our-learning-in-the-ground/8957327/","projectTitle":"Planting Our Learning in the Ground","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5707836_orig.jpg?crop=467,467,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732151436159","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5707836"},{"teacherId":5707836,"projectId":8957384,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your consideration of my project to secure two new rugs for my classroom.\r\n\r\nCreating an inviting and comfortable learning environment is essential for fostering engagement and productivity among my students. The addition of these rugs will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our classroom and provide a designated area for group activities, reading time, and collaborative learning experiences.\r\n\r\nOur classroom lacks adequate space for students to gather in a cozy setting. The rugs will serve as a valuable resource, allowing students to sit comfortably during lessons and encouraging them to participate actively. They will also promote a sense of belonging and community within our classroom, which is crucial for their social and emotional development.\r\n\r\nYour generous support directly impacts the daily experiences of my students, making learning more enjoyable and effective. I am committed to using these resources responsibly and ensuring they enhance our educational journey.\r\n\r\nThank you for your time and consideration. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of my students and help them thrive in a nurturing and supportive environment.","fullyFundedDate":1734228002099,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-explore-the-jungle-of-l/8957384/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Explore the Jungle of Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5707836_orig.jpg?crop=467,467,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732151436159","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5707836"},{"teacherId":3042681,"projectId":8953474,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for investing in our classroom. Because of your kindness, we now have a comfortable spot to work in groups. Sitting on the floor is no longer a cold and dusty experience. We are able to work in groups to solve problems and play math games. Giving us these comfortable rugs have made more of our classroom usable for learning. \r\n\r\nWe would have such a wonderful new space to learn without your support. Thank you for investing in our learning and for helping us to have a wonderful place to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1733282640687,"projectUrl":"project/i-want-a-new-rug/8953474/","projectTitle":"I Want a New Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Selock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3042681_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541647791944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tracy-selock"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27889","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":457,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":43,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":29,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":69.0,"schoolId":27889,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Montessori Magnet School - Lincoln on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Montessori Magnet School - Lincoln","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/kankakee-school-district-111/montessori-magnet-school-lincoln/27889"}