A.J. Katzenmaier Academy in N Chicago, Illinois on DonorsChoose

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Many of them said it made the experience feel \"special\" and \"like a real movie theater.\" It created a positive atmosphere that encouraged participation and discussion.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was when students began comparing the book and the movie, sharing their opinions, and supporting their ideas with details. The snacks helped build a sense of community and made the experience even more memorable.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue developing their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills by analyzing characters, themes, and differences between texts and films. We are excited to keep building on this project and creating more engaging learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible and for supporting our students!","fullyFundedDate":1766171787273,"projectUrl":"project/movie-and-reading-club/9957753/","projectTitle":"Movie and Reading Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schurch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/moviereadingclub"},{"teacherId":6143201,"projectId":9666988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your help in funding this new table for my math intervention students. Before we bunched at a small rectangular table. It was a tight fit when you starting bring out math materials along with needing a place to work. Now each student has room to work without getting in each others way. This table also makes us feel more like a group where even those farthest across can still see what the others are doing. I can easily observe what each student is working on at the same time. Again thank you so much for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1767196009665,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-table-needed-for-interventio/9666988/","projectTitle":"Small Group Table Needed for Interventions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schumacher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6143201_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1544670030899","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6143201"},{"teacherId":9337362,"projectId":9893668,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our 5th grade classroom. Because of your donation, our students have been able to benefit from flexible seating options and cushions, new Expo markers and erasers, and weekly planners that help them stay organized and independent.\r\n\r\nThese materials have made a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment. The flexible seating and cushions have allowed students to learn in comfort and with greater ease, which has helped them stay focused and engaged during lessons. Many students enjoy having the choice of where and how they sit while working, and this has helped create a more positive and productive classroom atmosphere.\r\n\r\nThe Expo markers and erasers have also been extremely helpful during our lessons. Students have been able to actively practice, sharpen, and review important skills and content as we prepare for our current state testing. 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We are incredibly grateful for your support and for the positive impact you have made on our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766849249428,"projectUrl":"project/organization-is-key/9893668/","projectTitle":"Organization Is Key!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stevenson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9337362"},{"teacherId":9571996,"projectId":9729739,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of my classroom. Because of you, my students now have headphones, individual rugs for small-group work, and cute lights for our board, and the impact has been immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe headphones are already helping my students stay focused during literacy centers, online programs, and independent work, especially for those who need a quieter space to learn. 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About this school

A.J. Katzenmaier Academy is a suburban public school in N Chicago, Illinois that is part of North Chicago Community Unit School District 187. It serves 312 students in grades 4 - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.1:1. Its teachers have had 79 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 4 - 5

312 Students

28 Teachers

1829 Kennedy Dr

N Chicago, IL 60064 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at A.J. Katzenmaier Academy to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

A.J. Katzenmaier Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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A.J. Katzenmaier Academy Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

90%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

A.J. Katzenmaier Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Mar 19, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.