{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Steuben Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3910966,"projectId":9723762,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived, my kindergarteners could hardly contain themselves. There were gasps, wide eyes, and little hands reaching to explore. The Lakeshore STEM Science Kits immediately drew them in, and within minutes they were building, testing, laughing, and proudly announcing, \"Look what we made!\" During our Arctic study, students gathered around the sensory table, placing different objects into the water and excitedly discovering which items sank and which floated. They shared observations, made predictions, and eagerly tried again, learning through curiosity and hands-on exploration. In those moments, they weren't just playing. They were thinking, collaborating, and believing in themselves.\r\n\r\nThe building tiles, pipe construction sets, and STEM kits have transformed our classroom into a space filled with imagination and possibility. Students who are sometimes hesitant to speak are now explaining their designs and defending their ideas. My bilingual learners are naturally practicing academic vocabulary as they describe structures, compare solutions, and redesign their creations. The Montessori alphabet tiles and shoelace threading tools are strengthening little hands and growing confidence in ways that feel joyful instead of forced. I have watched students who once said, \"I can't,\" quietly try again until they could.\r\n\r\nNext, we are connecting our STEM centers to our science investigations by asking deeper questions, making predictions, and improving our designs. My students are learning that mistakes are not failures; they are steps toward discovery. Because of you, they see themselves as builders, problem solvers, and capable learners. Your generosity did more than provide materials. It created moments of confidence, teamwork, and wonder that my students will carry with them long after kindergarten. Thank you for believing in them and in the power of joyful learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763592654394,"projectUrl":"project/brilliant-stem-minds/9723762/","projectTitle":"Brilliant STEM Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3910966_orig.jpg?crop=1921,1921,x267,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726715493110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rose-bailey"},{"teacherId":3910966,"projectId":9593385,"letterContent":"My students have been using the new recess resources in a few different ways, and your support has truly made a difference for them. We alternate between a great playground area and an uneven blacktop, so having structured options has helped keep kids engaged, active, and safer. The chalk, bubble materials, movement dice, and catching activities have given them choices that build cooperation, coordination, and self-regulation, while still letting them get that much-needed movement and \"brain break\" time. They were so excited when they first saw the materials, and they immediately wanted to try everything.\r\nOne important update I want to share is that the parachute games were a huge part of this project, but I had to return them due to poor quality. Many ripped the very first time we used them, even with close supervision and appropriate use. I replaced them with items that will better serve students long-term, especially during cold-weather indoor recess. These changes mean the project can still meet the original goal of safe, active play, even when we cannot be outside.\r\nThe exchange allowed me to purchase two floor chairs so students can be comfortable during indoor recess, small groups, and flexible seating moments. These can move wherever students need them most. I also purchased a Crayola Tracer Projector for our STEM Lab. Since the room needs to be dark, it is not an outdoor item, but it will be an exciting tool for learning. We will use it to enlarge images from our research topics so students can observe details, ask questions, and create projects based on what we are learning. Thank you for giving my students both active recess options and meaningful learning tools; you helped us stay flexible, safe, and engaged no matter what the weather brings.","fullyFundedDate":1763336074433,"projectUrl":"project/active-minds-active-bodies/9593385/","projectTitle":"Active Minds, Active Bodies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3910966_orig.jpg?crop=1921,1921,x267,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726715493110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rose-bailey"},{"teacherId":3910966,"projectId":9675327,"letterContent":"The excitement in our classroom was contagious when the boxes arrived! My students' eyes lit up as we unpacked the magnetic blocks, mini doodle boards, animal figures, and sensory tools. They immediately began sorting, stacking, and imagining new worlds. Within minutes, small groups had formed to build towers and bridges, while others used the doodle boards to draw what they created. It was joyful chaos in the best possible way—curiosity, teamwork, and laughter filling every corner.\r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed the way my students learn and interact. The magnetic blocks have become a favorite during both math and free-choice time, helping students visualize patterns and symmetry while building fine-motor skills. The sensory toys have given several of my students a way to stay calm and focused during transitions or independent work. Our alphabet fishing game is now part of our literacy center rotation, where students practice letters, sounds, and counting in a hands-on, engaging way.\r\n\r\nMy students are special because they approach every challenge with determination and heart. Many are bilingual learners who thrive when learning is visual and tactile. These new tools have given them more confidence to express ideas and take risks in their learning. Every day, I'm reminded that your generosity has made our classroom more inclusive, creative, and full of wonder. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1757558184493,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-minds/9675327/","projectTitle":"Magnetic Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3910966_orig.jpg?crop=1921,1921,x267,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726715493110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rose-bailey"},{"teacherId":9595046,"projectId":9179798,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our classroom! Students were given a big opportunity for learning social play thru different dramatic play centers.\r\n\r\nThe kitchen set with many accessories has given students role play opportunities. Students can become servers, cooks, etc. we received storage and shelving as well so when clean up time comes they know where everything belongs.\r\n\r\nThe workbench and building toys has given students the opportunity to build and again role play and work as a team to construct many different types of structures.","fullyFundedDate":1746786450263,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-playing-and-building-wi/9179798/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Playing and Building with Peers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Adams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9595046_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y71&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724975740873","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9595046"},{"teacherId":9595046,"projectId":9277346,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! My students have been given the ability to learn from anywhere though out our classroom with these amazing lap desks! They are a great option when we need to mix things up and the storage cart that holds them helps keep everything nice and organized! Giving flexibility to some students allows them to focus in different ways and get their work done.\r\n\r\nStudents have enjoyed using them and learning that we can use them for any subject thru the day! They are especially nice when we get to reading and it gives them a place to put their book so that they can follow along with their finger.","fullyFundedDate":1746786323127,"projectUrl":"project/lap-desks-to-learn-anywhere-in-the-class/9277346/","projectTitle":"Lap Desks to Learn Anywhere in the Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Adams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9595046_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y71&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724975740873","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9595046"},{"teacherId":3910966,"projectId":9436049,"letterContent":"The excitement in my classroom was immediate the day these resources arrived. My students crowded around the boxes, eager to see what was inside. Their eyes lit up as they discovered the parachute, geoboards, and blocks—each new material became an instant invitation to play, explore, and learn together. The parachute quickly became a favorite, giving my students a way to move, laugh, and cooperate in our small space.\r\n\r\nInside the classroom, the wooden counting blocks and geoboards have become daily tools for hands-on math. I've watched students who usually hesitate with numbers build towers, patterns, and shapes with confidence. One student proudly explained how she made a triangle on her geoboard \"just like in our math book\"—a moment where learning clicked in her own hands. The slimy sand and food coloring have also provided calming, sensory-rich activities, helping students who need an extra way to focus or regulate their energy before joining the group.\r\n\r\nThese materials have already filled many of the gaps I see every day, supporting not only academics but also cooperation, creativity, and emotional growth. The next step for my students is to keep integrating these tools into our lessons—using the stethoscope for science exploration, the beanbags for math games, and the parachute for team-building activities. Thanks to your generosity, my classroom feels fuller, brighter, and better equipped to meet each child where they are.","fullyFundedDate":1755021461298,"projectUrl":"project/the-gap-fillers-learning-tools-for-ever/9436049/","projectTitle":"The Gap-Fillers: Learning Tools for Every Need","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3910966_orig.jpg?crop=1921,1921,x267,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726715493110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rose-bailey"},{"teacherId":10238072,"projectId":9675303,"letterContent":"The STEM materials you funded have already transformed our classroom. My students were thrilled the moment they saw the magnetic tiles, building sticks, and gears. Many had never used these kinds of learning tools before, and their excitement quickly turned into focused, hands-on exploration.\r\nWe immediately used the materials for a \"Build a Bridge Challenge,\" where students worked in teams to design strong bridges. It was inspiring to see them problem-solve, test ideas, and cheer each other on. These activities are helping them apply math and engineering skills while also building confidence and teamwork.\r\nNow, students use the materials daily during centers to create shapes, structures, and simple machines. Our next big step is a class project where teams will design a \"mini city,\" applying creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to learn through meaningful, engaging, hands-on experiences. Your support has made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1757623871164,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-with-stem-toys/9675303/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds with STEM Toys","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10238072"},{"teacherId":3910966,"projectId":9040269,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has come alive with Purposeful Play. The moment our students saw the new materials—the colorful dress-up costumes, the multicultural baby dolls, the camping and veterinarian sets, the realistic cell phones, and the kid-sized shopping cart—their eyes lit up with wonder and possibility. These items have transformed our dramatic play area into a vibrant space where children can imagine, explore, and express themselves freely. The chest of drawers has made it easy for them to access and care for the materials independently, building responsibility and self-confidence with every use.\r\n\r\nWe've watched students take on the roles of police officers, doctors, nurses, veterinarians, firefighters, and even parents caring for their babies. One quiet student, who usually hesitated to speak in large groups, became a confident \"vet,\" explaining diagnoses and treatments to classmates with great detail and excitement. These interactions aren't just cute—they're powerful. Through imaginative play, children are developing empathy, teamwork, language skills, and problem-solving strategies. We've also noticed that conflicts are easier to resolve, classroom behavior has improved, and children are more engaged in academic tasks after purposeful play sessions.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be integrating these play themes into literacy and science lessons—writing stories about camping adventures, learning about animal care, and exploring community helpers through books and discussions. This project has made learning deeper, more joyful, and more connected to students' lived experiences. Thank you for giving our students the gift of imagination and the tools to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.","fullyFundedDate":1742178331421,"projectUrl":"project/purposeful-play/9040269/","projectTitle":"Purposeful Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3910966_orig.jpg?crop=1921,1921,x267,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726715493110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rose-bailey"},{"teacherId":6188725,"projectId":8867146,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my and all the students at Steuben Elementary School! Your generosity has helped over 300 kids and staff be able to relax and get social as we go outside to our playground. It is such a welcome addition to our space and all of us love it.\r\n As you watch, the kids are sitting, talking and laughing. It's so nice to just watch them using their social skills and relaxing. Due to the weather, we were not able to get the benches out until the last month of school but, boy oh boy, do we love them!\r\n These benches are sturdy and will last us for years to come. Each time we see the kids sitting on them we will all be reminded of your generosity and kindness shown through this donation. We thank you","fullyFundedDate":1735670791371,"projectUrl":"project/sitting-with-friends-is-good-for-the-sou/8867146/","projectTitle":"Sitting with Friends is Good for the Soul!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6188725_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631756617288","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tamischy"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29876","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":252,"numTeachers":13,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":29,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":61,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 3","studentTeacherRatio":"19.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":72.2,"schoolId":29876,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Steuben Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Steuben Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/kankakee-school-district-111/steuben-elementary-school/29876"}