{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lincoln K-8 School","outOfStateSupporters":32.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9978538,"projectId":10062313,"letterContent":"These K'NEX STEM kits made a tremendous impact in my classroom by turning learning into an exciting, hands-on experience. From the moment the boxes were opened, my students were curious, focused, and ready to build. The colorful pieces, gears, rods, and connectors immediately captured their attention and encouraged them to explore how different parts could work together. Instead of simply reading about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the students were able to experience those concepts for themselves.\r\n\r\nAs they worked to construct their projects, the students learned the importance of carefully reading and following directions. They quickly discovered that skipping a step or placing one piece incorrectly could affect the entire structure. When something did not work as expected, they had to go back, identify the problem, and make adjustments. This process taught them that mistakes are not failures. Mistakes are opportunities to learn, improve, and try again.\r\n\r\nThe kits also strengthened teamwork in our classroom. Students shared pieces, exchanged ideas, and helped one another solve difficult problems. Some students naturally became leaders, while others discovered that their ideas and skills were valuable to the group. They practiced listening, communicating, compromising, and encouraging one another. It was wonderful to watch students celebrate not only their own success but also the accomplishments of their classmates.\r\n\r\nBuilding with gears helped students understand how motion and force work together. Concepts that might have seemed confusing on a worksheet became much clearer when students could touch the pieces, turn the gears, observe movement, and see the results of their decisions. They asked thoughtful questions, tested different possibilities, and used critical-thinking skills throughout the activity. The lessons became more meaningful because students were not just receiving information; they were actively discovering how things worked.\r\n\r\nThese kits also gave students opportunities to develop patience and perseverance. Some of the projects were challenging and required more than one attempt. There were moments of frustration, but the students continued working. They learned to slow down, examine their designs, ask for help when needed, and remain committed to completing the task. The pride on their faces when the finished project finally moved correctly was priceless.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the K'NEX kits helped students see themselves as builders, designers, engineers, and problem-solvers. Students who may not always shine during traditional lessons found new ways to demonstrate their talents. The projects built confidence and gave every student a chance to contribute something meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe impact went far beyond completing a model. These kits created excitement, encouraged collaboration, strengthened academic skills, and helped students recognize their own abilities. My classroom became a place filled with creativity, conversation, trial and error, and genuine discovery. The students were fully engaged because they had ownership of the learning process. Through building, testing, adjusting, and trying again, they learned lessons that will remain with them long after the projects are taken apart. These K'NEX kits did more than teach STEM concepts—they helped my students believe in what they could accomplish.","fullyFundedDate":1778273643190,"projectUrl":"project/curiosity-catalyst/10062313/","projectTitle":"Curiosity Catalyst","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elliott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9978538"},{"teacherId":9978538,"projectId":10062386,"letterContent":"Our students recently had the opportunity to read Above the Trenches and Raid of No Return from Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series. These books introduced them to important events from World War I and World War II in a way that was exciting, understandable, and appropriate for young readers. Instead of simply memorizing names, dates, and facts, the students were able to experience history through action-packed stories, interesting characters, humor, and colorful illustrations. The books helped transform major historical events into stories the students could follow, discuss, and remember.\r\n\r\nAbove the Trenches gave the students a closer look at the brave pilots who took to the skies during World War I. They learned about the dangers of early aviation, the challenges pilots faced, and the important role airplanes played during the war. The story helped students understand how quickly technology was changing and how courageous those early pilots had to be. Students were especially interested in the aircraft, aerial battles, and remarkable stories of the people who risked their lives while flying above the trenches.\r\n\r\nRaid of No Return taught the students about World War II and the Doolittle Raid, a daring American air mission following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through the story, students learned about courage, teamwork, sacrifice, and the difficult decisions people were forced to make during wartime. The book also encouraged meaningful conversations about the impact of war on soldiers, families, and entire countries. Students asked thoughtful questions and connected what they were reading to information they had already learned in class.\r\n\r\nOne of the best features of these books was the way they combined accurate historical information with graphic-novel storytelling. The pictures supported student understanding and helped make complicated events easier to visualize. Even students who do not usually choose history books were interested in the dramatic illustrations and fast-moving stories. The combination of words and images made the material accessible while still providing plenty of valuable information. Students were learning new vocabulary, strengthening their reading comprehension, and expanding their knowledge of history without feeling as though they were reading a traditional textbook.\r\n\r\nThese books reminded us that learning history does not have to be boring. When historical events are presented through powerful stories and engaging illustrations, students can better understand the people, places, challenges, and choices that shaped our world. The students enjoyed sharing their favorite parts, discussing surprising facts, and comparing the experiences of people during World War I and World War II. They were curious, enthusiastic, and eager to continue reading. Most importantly, the books sparked meaningful conversations and encouraged the students to want to learn even more. From the first page to the last, the students were totally engaged!","fullyFundedDate":1776009890985,"projectUrl":"project/adventure-lives-between-the-lines/10062386/","projectTitle":"Adventure Lives Between the Lines","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elliott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9978538"},{"teacherId":9839679,"projectId":9513304,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your support in providing reeds for our incoming clarinet and saxophone students. Because of your generosity, I am able to offer band to 12 clarinet players and 7 saxophone players in our 5th and 6th grade band—something that would not have been possible otherwise.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have removed a major barrier for students and allowed them to fully participate in band from the very beginning. The students are loving band, coming to class excited, and already making great progress on their instruments.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make music education accessible for our students and for supporting their growth and success.","fullyFundedDate":1754356630317,"projectUrl":"project/reeds-for-our-school/9513304/","projectTitle":"Reeds for Our School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DiCiaula","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9839679_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786064138672","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msdiciaula"},{"teacherId":9978538,"projectId":9934711,"letterContent":"The Snow Biz Project is underway! Students are learning how to build a business from the ground up, including creating a business plan, setting prices, budgeting, and marketing their product. On their first day out shoveling, the results were impressive—four students earned over $100 each, and one student made $156 in a single day! These earnings give students a real world experience of running a business. Next, we will focus on teaching them how to save and manage their money wisely, helping them develop financial skills that will support their success now and in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1766109363343,"projectUrl":"project/snow-biz/9934711/","projectTitle":"Snow Biz","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elliott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9978538"},{"teacherId":9978538,"projectId":9859185,"letterContent":"Sewing a Better Night's Rest became one of the most meaningful projects of my career. From the moment students began sewing their own pillow beds, their excitement was unmistakable. Many had never used a sewing machine before, yet they approached the project with focus, pride, and creativity. A few students quickly revealed a natural talent, confidently navigating the machines and helping others along the way.\r\n\r\nWhat stood out most was how deeply the project resonated with them. Three students asked if it would be possible for them to have sewing machines of their own so they could continue learning at home. With the help of generous friends, I was able to secure three donated machines. Presenting them to the students and seeing their joy and gratitude was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nThis project went beyond teaching a skill, it built confidence, sparked new interests, and created a sense of accomplishment and care. The smiles, pride, and excitement on students' faces were a powerful reminder of why this work matters and made the experience especially meaningful during the holiday season.","fullyFundedDate":1761931215513,"projectUrl":"project/sewing-a-better-nights-rest/9859185/","projectTitle":"Sewing a Better Night’s Rest","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elliott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9978538"},{"teacherId":7480911,"projectId":9867556,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift and for believing in our classroom. Your support has truly made a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe items you donated help us in many important ways. We use them to track behavior and habits, reflect on our choices, and manage time during periods and activities. They support answering questions, buzzing in, and adding an element of fun—especially on Fridays. These tools help our classroom run more smoothly and with greater purpose.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, our classroom community is safer and more calm. Students are more aware of time, move responsibly, and make thoughtful choices. They are motivated to earn medallions by practicing self-control, awareness, and positive habits, which strengthens accountability and respect for one another.\r\n\r\nYour support has also benefited our learning. The tools provide students with appropriate replacement behaviors that support regulation and focus, helping them express themselves in productive ways. This allows us to complete tasks more efficiently, transition smoothly, and maximize our learning time.\r\n\r\nIn the future, we hope to continue using the scoreboard not only for daily routines, but also for games and other friendly matches that promote teamwork, engagement, and positive competition.\r\n\r\nWe want you to know that your money is valuable and deeply appreciated. Your generosity is truly a gift of giving, and it has been incredibly helpful to our students and our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1762266299307,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-champions-medallas-metas-y/9867556/","projectTitle":"Classroom Champions: ¡Medallas, Metas y Motivación!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Renich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7480911_orig.jpg?crop=1152,1152,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780855846876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maestrarenich"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27954","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":803,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":44,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":9,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":67.2,"schoolId":27954,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lincoln K-8 School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lincoln K-8 School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/peoria-public-school-district-150/lincoln-middle-school/27954"}