{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Valeska Hinton Early Education Center","outOfStateSupporters":32.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9926199,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of STEM for Success: Potty Training Through Science, Exploration, and Routine, my students are discovering new ways to learn and grow every day. We are using the materials to explore our bodies, practice routines, and make learning about potty training fun through hands-on science experiments and sensory activities. For example, the color-changing cups and visual timers help children see cause and effect in action, while the storybooks, charts, and reward tools guide them through daily routines with excitement and curiosity. These materials have truly brought learning to life in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe children's reactions were priceless when they first saw the new materials. Eyes lit up, smiles spread across their faces, and many rushed to try the activities right away. One student proudly demonstrated using the visual timer to know when it was time for the potty, while others eagerly helped set up the experiments or celebrated each other's successes. It has been so heartwarming to watch them explore, experiment, and gain confidence as they take small but meaningful steps toward independence.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using these tools to build routines, track progress with visual graphs, and encourage self-monitoring skills and proper hygiene. Each day, students grow a little more confident, proud, and independent, and it's exciting to see them connect science to real-life routines in a way that truly matters. Your support has made a lasting impact, helping children feel successful while making learning fun and hands-on. We are deeply grateful for the difference you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764738463744,"projectUrl":"project/stem-for-success-potty-training-through/9926199/","projectTitle":"STEM for Success: Potty Training Through Science, Exploration, and Routine","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":4693381,"projectId":9533688,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations. My students have enjoyed exploring and learning with the materials from this project. They especially love the putty play sets, treasure game, and the snack machine. All the items have been a big hit! They have also benefitted from a calmer space through the use of light covers that help dim the light slightly to provide a more calming environment. \r\n\r\nStudents have been learning about numbers , letter, colors, and sorting through the snack vending machine. The items in this toy are ones that can be sorted and student work to identify and label colors and shapes to pick which snack item they want to get out of the machine. They have been working on counting out tokens to fill up treasure chests in the treasure game and on fine motor skills of turning the keys to open the boxes when full to find a surprise. Students have been strengthening their fingers to find hidden items in the putty and working on identifying and labeling vocabulary while doing so. When playing with the bird toy they have been working on matching colors, identifying numbers and describing emotions as each birds face has a different emotional expression. They have enjoyed acting out getting on and off the bus while using core words such as in, out, on, off, stop, and go while playing with the Fisher Price school bus. The snack tray has been used to hide and find items in play and they have enjoyed opening the doors to see what is inside as well as matching items inside with pictures on the doors. Students have also enjoyed feeding a puppet the foods from the mini A-Z food set. \r\n\r\nThe students and I greatly appreciate your help in making this project a reality. Each item on this project was chosen to teach my students different skills and to help them expand their language in the classroom and I have seen them explore and enjoy learning through new activities.","fullyFundedDate":1761248360072,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-language-learning/9533688/","projectTitle":"Hands on Language Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nauman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4693381_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1503520297617","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4693381"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9796738,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Potty Training for Preschool Success project! Because of your generosity, we were able to purchase potty watch timers, child-friendly potty seats, and engaging potty training books that make learning both fun and encouraging for my little learners.\r\n\r\nThese materials are already making a difference. The potty watches help students build independence and routine, while the books give them confidence by teaching skills in a playful, relatable way. The potty seats provide safety and comfort so they can practice with less anxiety and more success.\r\n\r\nYour kindness truly helps my students grow in confidence, independence, and school readiness. Thank you for believing in our classroom and making these early milestones a positive experience for all.","fullyFundedDate":1763569901428,"projectUrl":"project/potty-training-with-purpose-building-in/9796738/","projectTitle":"Potty Training with Purpose: Building Independence and Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9880618,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my Brown Bear, Brown Bear: Building Early Reading and STEM Skills project. Your generosity helps my preschoolers build essential early literacy skills while exploring hands-on STEM activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Because of you, my students will enjoy engaging learning experiences that strengthen their love for reading and discovery.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate your kindness and commitment to helping young learners grow.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a meaningful difference!","fullyFundedDate":1763569977573,"projectUrl":"project/brown-bear-brown-bear-building-early-r/9880618/","projectTitle":"Brown Bear, Brown Bear: Building Early Reading and STEM Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9879375,"letterContent":"Learning about Garrett Morgan through hands-on experiences with stoplights, flashlights, and art has a powerful impact on my students. By exploring his innovations in a concrete and engaging way, students begin to understand how creativity and problem-solving can make communities safer and better. The stoplight activities help them recognize the importance of rules, safety, and responsibility, while flashlight experiments spark curiosity about inventions and how everyday tools work. Through art, students express their learning visually, making meaningful connections to history, STEM, and their own ability to create. These combined experiences deepen their appreciation for an important Black inventor and inspire them to imagine themselves as future thinkers, helpers, and innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1763570084791,"projectUrl":"project/learning-about-garrett-morgan-through-st/9879375/","projectTitle":"Learning About Garrett Morgan Through Stoplights, Flashlights, and Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9793726,"letterContent":"My families were incredibly excited to receive the potty-training book, and the students were just as thrilled to explore something that supports their independence. Families also shared how grateful they were that I could laminate a toilet-training visual schedule and chart for them. Having something sturdy, clear, and ready to use at home gives them the consistency they need as they guide their little ones through this important milestone.\r\n\r\nYour support truly empowers our families. Because of your generosity, they now have practical tools that make learning at home more engaging, encouraging, and successful. Thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our youngest learners.","fullyFundedDate":1761248360669,"projectUrl":"project/potty-training-with-pride-building-inde/9793726/","projectTitle":"Potty Training With Pride: Building Independence for Our Little Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9882874,"letterContent":"The families are using the STEM and Self-Care: Helping PreK Students Learn Potty Routines materials to build independence, confidence, and essential early-learning skills at home. The visuals, routines, and hands-on items have supported children in understanding each step of the potty process while also giving families simple tools they can use daily. These resources have made it easier for caregivers to reinforce what we teach at school and create consistency between home and classroom routines.\r\n\r\nThese materials have truly encouraged the students to explore, practice, and grow. The STEM components sparked curiosity, problem-solving, and fine-motor development, while the self-care tools helped students feel proud of their progress and more in control of their bodies. Families have shared that their children are excited to try the routines and love using the materials, and we are already seeing an increase in independence, confidence, and joyful learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763570032691,"projectUrl":"project/stem-and-self-care-helping-prek-student/9882874/","projectTitle":"STEM and Self-Care: Helping PreK Students Learn Potty Routines","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9397616,"letterContent":"The students really enjoyed listening to the story Understanding Feelings with The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!\r\n\r\nAfter reading, we talked about different feelings, and the students decorated person cutouts, adding facial expressions to show what they learned. They especially loved making silly \"angry\" or \"surprised\" faces like the Pigeon, and it made everyone giggle while learning about emotions.\r\n\r\nYour generous support makes activities like this possible, helping my students explore feelings, express themselves, and grow socially and emotionally. Seeing their excitement and pride in their work reminds me how much your gift impacts their learning every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for bringing joy, curiosity, and meaningful experiences into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1761248360620,"projectUrl":"project/understanding-feelings-with-the-pigeon-h/9397616/","projectTitle":"Understanding Feelings with The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9785670,"letterContent":"My students really enjoyed listening to the story A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon and engaging with the questions I asked during reading. They loved making a sad face when Chester felt sad, then showing a happy face as the story brightened. The part where his mom kissed the palm of his hand was a favorite moment for everyone!\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous support, my students can explore stories that teach them about emotions, empathy, and self-expression. Your gift brings excitement, curiosity, and joy into our classroom every day. Watching their faces light up as they connect with the story reminds me how much your support matters. You are helping to create meaningful learning experiences and memories they will carry with them far beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us, thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1761248360572,"projectUrl":"project/generations-of-joy-compassion-through-s/9785670/","projectTitle":"Generations of Joy: Compassion Through Storytime and Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9796076,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom was able to dive into STEM with Spookley: Little Learners Discover Pumpkins in the most meaningful and exciting way. The new resources brought our pumpkin unit to life and created hands on learning moments that my PreK students will never forget.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite activities was exploring real pumpkins alongside the STEM materials. Students worked in small groups to predict whether each pumpkin would sink or float, measure its height and width, and compare the seeds inside. Their faces lit up when they realized that size doesn't always determine whether a pumpkin sinks—such a big \"aha!\" moment for them.\r\n\r\nWhen I first showed them the materials, the room instantly filled with squeals and excitement. They were especially drawn to the magnifying glasses and measurement tools. It made them feel like real scientists, and they kept saying, \"Look what I discovered!\"\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, I was able to move beyond simple fall-themed discussions and truly engage them in early STEM thinking—asking questions, forming predictions, testing ideas, and talking through their observations. These materials supported language development, teamwork, and problem solving skills in ways that worksheets never could.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our pumpkin investigations, our next steps include a mini engineering challenge where students will design a pumpkin protection crate—just like Spookley needed. They will use blocks, tape, craft sticks, and soft materials to build a structure that keeps a pumpkin safe during a \"drop test.\" This is always one of the most exciting parts of the unit, and your support made it possible.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students the opportunity to explore, question, and discover through hands on learning. Your kindness truly made a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1761248360521,"projectUrl":"project/stem-with-spookley-little-learners-disc/9796076/","projectTitle":"STEM with Spookley: Little Learners Discover Pumpkins!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9776343,"letterContent":"We used the resources for Squish, Snack, and STEM: Sensory Science for PreK to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that truly lit up our classroom. Your generosity brought so much joy and excitement to my students.\r\n\r\nWhen I revealed the materials, their faces instantly brightened—especially when they spotted the marshmallows! In that moment, you weren't just donors... you were the reason my students felt seen, valued, and eager to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students now have the opportunity to explore science in a way that feels like play. They're discovering textures, practicing counting, building structures, and working together with so much enthusiasm. These activities are helping them grow in confidence, communication, and creativity.\r\n\r\nOur next steps for this project are to deepen their learning by guiding them through more sensory-based STEM investigations. We'll be exploring measurement, comparing sizes, testing predictions, and creating simple structures that challenge their thinking. Each activity will continue to build both academic and social-emotional skills—skills they will carry with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for giving them the tools to learn, explore, and shine. Your kindness is making a lasting impact on their early learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1761248359172,"projectUrl":"project/squish-snack-and-stem-sensory-science/9776343/","projectTitle":"Squish, Snack, and STEM: Sensory Science for Pre-K!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"},{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":9780176,"letterContent":"Some of the skills my students developed from reading Mo Willems books included understanding emotions, making predictions, and identifying problem solving in stories.\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, the students read by using the pictures to help tell the story, which strengthens their comprehension and confidence as early readers.\r\n\r\nThe girls especially enjoyed the new Mo Willems books and were the most engaged and excited during storytime, eagerly sharing their thoughts about the characters and what might happen next.","fullyFundedDate":1759940272685,"projectUrl":"project/compassion-comes-to-life-with-elephant-/9780176/","projectTitle":"Compassion Comes to Life with Elephant & Piggie","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams-Hangen’s Sharing Circle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9845309_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760462269588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9845309"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30197","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":500,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":57,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 1","studentTeacherRatio":"21.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":67.1,"schoolId":30197,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Valeska Hinton Early Education Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Valeska Hinton Early Education Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/peoria-public-school-district-150/valeska-hinton-childhood-education-ctr/30197"}