{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Valeska Hinton Early Education Center","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9845309,"projectId":10114762,"letterContent":"One of the most meaningful skills students developed through the Oh, the Places We'll Go project was a greater appreciation for reading, creativity, and self-expression. The book encouraged meaningful discussions about kindness, resilience, diversity, and believing in themselves, while helping to strengthen their listening, comprehension, vocabulary, and communication skills.\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, reading is an essential part of our daily routine. We enjoy whole-group read-alouds, small-group literacy activities, independent book exploration, and opportunities for students to retell stories using pictures, props, and their own words. These experiences foster a lifelong love of reading while building early literacy skills.\r\n\r\nAll of my students enjoy the new book, and their excitement is evident throughout the day. They frequently choose it during free-choice time and eagerly ask for it to be read again and again. Their enthusiasm has increased classroom engagement, sparked thoughtful conversations, and inspired imaginative play and storytelling.","fullyFundedDate":1776277776431,"projectUrl":"project/oh-the-places-well-go-celebrating-our/10114762/","projectTitle":"Oh, the Places We’ll Go: Celebrating Our PreK Journey","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":10100296,"letterContent":"One of the most meaningful skills students developed through the Broken Crayons Still Color: Inspiring Creativity in Every Child project was a greater appreciation for reading, creativity, and self-expression. The books encouraged meaningful discussions about kindness, resilience, diversity, and believing in themselves, while helping to strengthen their listening, comprehension, vocabulary, and communication skills.\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, reading is an essential part of our daily routine. We enjoy whole-group read-alouds, small-group literacy activities, independent book exploration, and opportunities for students to retell stories using pictures, props, and their own words. These experiences foster a lifelong love of reading while building early literacy skills.\r\n\r\nAll of my students enjoy the new books, and their excitement is evident throughout the day. They frequently choose these books during free-choice time and eagerly ask for them to be read again and again. Their enthusiasm has increased classroom engagement, sparked thoughtful conversations, and inspired imaginative play and storytelling.","fullyFundedDate":1776370938456,"projectUrl":"project/broken-crayons-still-color-inspiring-cr/10100296/","projectTitle":"Broken Crayons Still Color: Inspiring Creativity in Every Child","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":10191936,"letterContent":"My project, Calm, Curious, and Connected: SEL Science & Learning Backpacks, has made a meaningful impact on the children and families I serve. By providing engaging take-home backpacks filled with hands-on science activities and social-emotional learning resources, families have been able to continue learning together beyond the classroom. These activities have encouraged children to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and strengthen important skills while creating positive learning experiences at home.\r\n\r\nThe backpacks have also helped families build stronger relationships through shared experiences. Parents and caregivers have enjoyed spending quality time with their children while practicing communication, teamwork, emotional awareness, and self-regulation. As families completed the activities together, children gained confidence, developed curiosity, and learned that making mistakes is part of the learning process. These meaningful interactions have reinforced the connection between home and school.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project has supported both academic growth and social-emotional development by creating opportunities for families to learn, discover, and grow together. Seeing children return excited to share their discoveries and hearing positive feedback from families has been incredibly rewarding. Calm, Curious, and Connected: SEL Science & Learning Backpacks has strengthened family engagement while fostering a lifelong love of learning, curiosity, and meaningful connections.","fullyFundedDate":1777128914310,"projectUrl":"project/calm-curious-and-connected-sel-scienc/10191936/","projectTitle":"Calm, Curious, and Connected: SEL Science & Learning Backpacks","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":10159096,"letterContent":"My project, Building Independence and Bedtime Routines for Preschoolers, made a meaningful impact on the families I serve by providing them with practical tools and strategies to establish healthy bedtime routines. Families learned that consistent bedtime habits not only help children get the rest they need but also promote emotional regulation, positive behavior, and readiness to learn. As parents implemented these routines at home, many shared that bedtime became less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.\r\n\r\nThe project also encouraged children to become more independent by practicing age-appropriate bedtime responsibilities, such as putting on pajamas, brushing their teeth, selecting a bedtime story, and helping prepare for the next day. These simple routines built confidence, fostered responsibility, and strengthened the bond between parents and children through positive, consistent interactions.\r\n\r\nSeeing families embrace these routines reminded me that small, intentional changes can have a lasting impact on a child's development. By equipping parents with resources and encouragement, this project helped create calmer evenings, healthier sleep habits, and greater independence for preschoolers. As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, \"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.\" This project reinforced the importance of laying a strong foundation that will benefit children and their families for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1776197444419,"projectUrl":"project/building-independence-and-bedtime-routin/10159096/","projectTitle":"Building Independence and Bedtime Routines for Preschoolers","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":10062055,"letterContent":"This project, Building Friendship: Social-Emotional Learning for Young Hearts, has made a meaningful difference in my students' social and emotional development. Through engaging activities, books, and hands-on learning experiences, my students have strengthened important skills such as kindness, empathy, cooperation, and effective communication. They are becoming more confident in expressing their feelings and are learning healthy ways to solve problems and work together.\r\n\r\nThe resources provided through this project have created opportunities for students to build positive relationships with their classmates while fostering a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment. I have noticed an increase in students encouraging one another, sharing materials, taking turns, and showing compassion when a classmate needs support. These everyday interactions are helping to build a classroom community where every child feels valued, respected, and safe.\r\n\r\nAs an early childhood educator, I know that social-emotional learning is the foundation for both academic success and lifelong well-being. Thanks to this project, my students are developing the skills they need to become caring friends, responsible learners, and confident individuals. I am deeply grateful for the generosity that made this project possible and for the lasting impact it continues to have on the hearts and minds of my young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1778024922277,"projectUrl":"project/building-friendship-social-emotional-l/10062055/","projectTitle":"“Building Friendship: Social-Emotional Learning for Young Hearts”","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":5542804,"projectId":10095358,"letterContent":"As I sit here and think about this year and what a teacher has to do to feel like her student's are successful, I have to give my gratitude to donor choose and this project for making even more literacy opportunities in our classroom. \r\nThere isn't much a teacher can do without resources and donorschoose.org made this happen with the help of ao many that brought this project to life. \r\nThank you from the very bottom of our hearts. Our student's and classroom are forever grateful for your contributions and continued support to make magic happen in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1774963860568,"projectUrl":"project/literally-literacy-storage/10095358/","projectTitle":"Literally Literacy Storage","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nunez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5542804_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764492919006","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-nunez-specialeducation-teacher"},{"teacherId":10296924,"projectId":10154995,"letterContent":"This project gave my students and many other children the opportunity to leave the Storybook Soirée with a brand-new book to enjoy at home with their families. They were thrilled to choose from a wide variety of books that matched each themed table. Even months later, my students are still talking about the event and proudly sharing the books they brought home. Your generosity helped create excitement around reading, strengthen family literacy, and give children a book they can cherish long after the event. Thank you for making this experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1773863157765,"projectUrl":"project/from-prom-to-pages-books-for-the-storyb/10154995/","projectTitle":"From Prom to Pages: Books for the Storybook Soirée","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kendyl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10296924_orig.jpg?crop=1206,1205,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765917581679","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kendyl-halsey"},{"teacherId":6403789,"projectId":10253631,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to our classroom. The children are already having fun with their playdough and learning mats. One child loved naming the letters on the alphabet mat. Another loved rolling out the playdough to place on the mats. These materials will be used to teach readiness schools as the children are playing, exploring, and having fun, as well as engaging in sensory regulation. Our students, their families, and our teaching/therapy team are so grateful to you for your contribution to our classroom and for helping our students.","fullyFundedDate":1779073704235,"projectUrl":"project/play-dough-fun-and-learning-in-preschool/10253631/","projectTitle":"Play-dough Fun and Learning in Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6403789_orig.jpg?crop=2243,2243,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674942935926","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6403789"},{"teacherId":6403789,"projectId":10021566,"letterContent":"Thankyou so much for contributing to our classroom. Our children have been really enjoying their new learning toys. One student in particular is loving the letter matching game. He names the letters and sings the alphabet song as he is working! Another little girl counted out loud for one of the first times as she pointed to the number cards on the new number matching game. Many children have also been enjoying the ring color sorting toy, shape sorter, and all of their new learning toys. The best part is they are learning as they play and learning to love learning! Our students, their families and our teaching/therapy team are so grateful to you for helping our young learners meet their potential in true pre-school fashion; by having fun!!!","fullyFundedDate":1777128914280,"projectUrl":"project/math-and-literacy-learning-toys-for-pres/10021566/","projectTitle":"Math and Literacy Learning Toys for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6403789_orig.jpg?crop=2243,2243,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674942935926","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6403789"},{"teacherId":10296924,"projectId":9962479,"letterContent":"The contribution of the tablecloths and glowsticks truly elevated the Storybook Soirée beyond anything we could have imagined. The glowsticks brought the dance floor to life, filling the room with color, energy, and pure magic. Watching the children light up, both literally and figuratively as they danced and played created an atmosphere that felt straight out of a storybook.\r\n\r\nEven more impactful, the tablecloths transformed the entire space into an elegant, formal setting that made the event feel extra special. What was once a simple room became a beautifully styled celebration, capturing the attention and wonder of every child in attendance. You could see it in their eyes! The excitement, the awe, and the joy of being part of something so thoughtfully put together.\r\n\r\nTogether, these contributions didn't just decorate the event, they helped create an unforgettable experience. They added charm, warmth, and a sense of magic that made the Storybook Soirée truly come to life for everyone involved.","fullyFundedDate":1770392442071,"projectUrl":"project/a-storybook-soire-where-even-decoration/9962479/","projectTitle":"A Storybook Soirée Where Even Decorations Invite Children to Read","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kendyl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10296924_orig.jpg?crop=1206,1205,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765917581679","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kendyl-halsey"},{"teacherId":5875765,"projectId":10135066,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for expanding our students' learning opportunities with LEGO. Since adding these resources to the classroom, we have seen an increase in collaboration and problem-solving while working in small groups. Our students are using critical thinking skills to follow the page-by-page instructions and create new structures. \r\nWe have also noticed an increase in dexterity for your youngest students. They are becoming more confident in holding writing tools thanks to the play that occurs while building with these smaller Legos! \r\nOpportunities like these would not be possible without the support of amazing companies and individuals such as yourselves!","fullyFundedDate":1774963749285,"projectUrl":"project/constructing-the-builders-of-tomorrow/10135066/","projectTitle":"Constructing the Builders of Tomorrow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Keltner-King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5875765_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689074777459","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5875765"},{"teacherId":6403789,"projectId":10081319,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my students with snacks. We work a lot on communication with our non-verbal children and they are learning to ask for their favorite snacks. Many of our children are quite hungry at school and are much happier after they are fed. This helps them be ready to play and learn at school! We also appreciate the cleaning supplies. It is so important to us to keep a sanitary room and try to cut down on the spread of germs. Our children, their families and our teaching team are so grateful to you for helping our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1772550285614,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-stuff-health-and-nutrition-f/10081319/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Stuff: Health and Nutrition for Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6403789_orig.jpg?crop=2243,2243,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674942935926","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6403789"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30197","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":456,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":54,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":1,"percentMultiracialImputed":9,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"19.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"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"}