{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Iles Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8665066,"projectId":9705853,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our bracelet-making project. Your kindness has given my students a meaningful opportunity to create, learn, and take pride in their work in ways that are truly impactful.\r\n\r\nThrough bracelet making, my students have been able to create a unique, tangible product that they can call their own. Completing a bracelet from start to finish builds confidence and a strong sense of accomplishment. Each finished piece represents patience, effort, and success—something my students are very proud to share.\r\n\r\nThis project has been especially valuable for developing fine motor skills. Stringing beads, selecting colors, and fastening clasps require careful hand-eye coordination, finger strength, and precision. These are skills my students work hard to develop, and practicing them through a fun, creative activity has been incredibly motivating.\r\n\r\nThe bracelet-making supplies have also expanded students' creativity and self-expression. They make choices about colors, patterns, and designs, learning that their ideas matter and that there are many ways to create something beautiful. These choices naturally support communication, decision-making, and independence.\r\n\r\nAn exciting part of this project has been involving the students in creating a classroom \"store.\" Students have played an important role in preparing products, organizing displays, and practicing their sales pitches. They are learning early vocational and social skills such as greeting customers, describing their bracelets, and exchanging items appropriately. These real-world experiences are invaluable and help build confidence and functional life skills.\r\n\r\nWe are excited to continue working on this project in the coming months as students further develop their skills and take on new responsibilities. None of this would be possible without your generosity. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that truly make a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1759103774966,"projectUrl":"project/stem-careers-in-action-our-disability-a/9705853/","projectTitle":"STEM Careers in Action: Our Disability Awareness Store","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loertscher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8665066_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712716198971","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8665066"},{"teacherId":8665066,"projectId":9565841,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project designed specifically for students with vision challenges. Your generosity has had an immediate and powerful impact in our special education classroom, giving my students new ways to engage, participate, and experience success.\r\n\r\nThe light-up toys have been absolutely wonderful for our students with visual impairments. The bright lights immediately capture their attention and encourage visual engagement. These toys give students meaningful opportunities to practice visual tracking as they follow moving lights with their eyes. Many of my students are also working on catching and reaching skills, and the illuminated toys make it much easier for them to anticipate movement, track objects through space, and attempt to catch or touch them. These moments build confidence, coordination, and important visual-motor connections that are essential for their development.\r\n\r\nThe Tonies Box and Tonies have also been a huge success. For children who struggle with vision, the simple, tactile design of the Tonies system has provided a level of independence that is truly special to witness. Students can choose the character they want, place it on the box, and activate music or stories all by themselves. This empowers them to make choices, practice decision-making, and enjoy music without relying on constant adult assistance.\r\n\r\nMusic plays an important role in our classroom, supporting language development, sensory regulation, and emotional connection. Being able to independently select songs helps our students feel capable and in control, while also encouraging engagement, listening skills, and communication.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students now have accessible tools that meet their unique needs and allow them to participate more fully in learning and play. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping create meaningful, inclusive experiences for children who benefit so greatly from them.","fullyFundedDate":1758564601992,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-the-way-for-students-with-cvi/9565841/","projectTitle":"Lighting the Way for Students With CVI","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loertscher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8665066_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712716198971","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8665066"},{"teacherId":8665066,"projectId":9476951,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom and for making our magnetic STEM toys project possible. I am a special education teacher for eight elementary students with significant disabilities, and your kindness has already made a meaningful difference in their daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nFor my students, learning happens best through hands-on, play-based exploration. Building with blocks is far more than \"play.\" As students stack, connect, and rebuild, they are learning foundational concepts such as cause and effect, balance, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. When a tower falls, they learn to try again. When a structure stands, they experience success, confidence, and pride. Block play also supports fine motor development, hand strength, and coordination—skills my students work on every single day.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic blocks and Magna-Tiles add an extra layer of learning and accessibility. The magnets reduce frustration by helping pieces connect easily, allowing students with limited strength or coordination to build independently. With Magna-Tiles, students explore shapes, colors, symmetry, and early geometry concepts. They learn about 2D and 3D figures, building flat designs that transform into cubes, houses, and towers. These activities naturally support early math language such as \"more,\" \"less,\" \"tall,\" \"short,\" \"inside,\" and \"on top,\" while also encouraging creativity and imagination.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic balls and rods introduce even more STEM concepts. Students learn about connection, structure, and stability as they experiment with how rods link balls together. They begin to understand simple engineering principles like strength, length, and balance. These materials also promote bilateral coordination, visual tracking, and problem-solving as students plan and adjust their designs.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, these toys foster communication and social interaction. Students learn to share materials, take turns, request pieces, and celebrate each other's creations. For children with severe disabilities, these moments of engagement and independence are powerful and meaningful.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have tools that meet them where they are and allow them to learn through joy, exploration, and success. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping create opportunities that truly matter in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1758495437164,"projectUrl":"project/one-magnetic-click-at-a-time/9476951/","projectTitle":"One Magnetic Click at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loertscher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8665066_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712716198971","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8665066"},{"teacherId":9154866,"projectId":9304296,"letterContent":"Technology plays a big role in our classroom, and the donated headphones have made a huge difference in how we use it. With each student having access to a Chromebook, the headphones allow them to fully engage with audio books, learning games, and interactive lessons without distractions. This helps them focus, build listening skills, and develop their imagination as they listen to stories and content tailored to their learning level.\r\n\r\nThe students are most excited about how the headphones make their learning time feel more personal and immersive. They love being able to \"tune in\" to a story or activity just for them—it makes reading and learning come alive! Many of them say it feels like they're in their own little world when they're using them, and that makes learning extra fun and exciting.\r\n\r\nSome of our quieter or more reserved students have really connected with the headphones. For example, one student who struggles with reading confidence now lights up when it's time for audiobooks—he listens along with the story and draws along and even is excited to share his pictures afterwards. The technology gives him the support he needs without feeling singled out. It's been amazing to watch his confidence grow!","fullyFundedDate":1746314934653,"projectUrl":"project/visualizing-stories-with-our-creative-mi/9304296/","projectTitle":"Visualizing stories with our creative minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stegeman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9154866"},{"teacherId":8665066,"projectId":9387858,"letterContent":"The Wiggle, Wobble, and Wonder project has been an incredible success and a perfect complement to my earlier proprioceptive learning project. Together, these two projects have created a strong and lasting foundation for an amazing program that is transforming my classroom. The combination of materials, activities, and sensory tools from both projects has helped my students grow in focus, body awareness, coordination, and confidence. What began as a vision to help my students move, learn, and regulate more effectively has blossomed into a daily part of our learning routine—and the difference is remarkable.\r\n\r\nThis is the second of two projects designed to build my proprioceptive learning program, and together they have truly made something special. The first project laid the groundwork, introducing the idea that movement can support attention and readiness to learn. Wiggle, Wobble, and Wonder took that idea to the next level—adding new tools and materials that help my students explore balance, movement, and body control in engaging and purposeful ways. The results have been even better than I could have imagined.\r\n\r\nSince implementing both projects, I have seen major improvements in my students' ability to focus during lessons and transitions. The activities allow them to get the movement input their bodies need in order to stay calm and alert. What's even more exciting is that they are learning to recognize when they need a movement break on their own. Instead of losing focus or becoming frustrated, they now use the proprioceptive activities—wobble cushions, weighted items, stepping stones, and resistance tools—to regulate themselves. They are learning independence and self-awareness right alongside academics.\r\n\r\nI've also seen incredible growth in my students' gross and fine motor skills. Movements that once seemed challenging are now part of their everyday play and learning. One student who used to tire easily during standing activities can now balance, jump, and climb with confidence. Another who struggled to hold a pencil properly has built the strength and control needed to write and draw for longer periods. The joy on their faces as they master new movements is truly priceless.\r\n\r\nThese activities have not only strengthened their bodies but also their minds. The students are learning through movement—counting while bouncing, identifying letters while stretching, and problem-solving as they balance and move. They are more engaged, motivated, and ready to learn than ever before. The entire atmosphere of our classroom feels more focused and joyful.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity in making Wiggle, Wobble, and Wonder possible. Along with our first proprioceptive learning project, this has created a powerful foundation for lifelong learning skills. Your support has given my students the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally. I am so grateful that you chose to invest in our classroom and help my students move, grow, and thrive every day.","fullyFundedDate":1749345619179,"projectUrl":"project/wiggles-wobbles-and-wonder-learning-t/9387858/","projectTitle":"Wiggles, Wobbles, and Wonder: Learning Through Movement and STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loertscher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8665066_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712716198971","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8665066"},{"teacherId":8665066,"projectId":9070002,"letterContent":"It has been absolutely wonderful to watch my students interact more deeply with literature and truly come alive as readers. Thanks to your generous support, our Empowering Readers: Resources for Every Learner project has opened up a world of imagination, curiosity, and joy in our classroom. My students are no longer just listening to stories—they are experiencing them. They are seeing, touching, smelling, hearing, and even tasting elements of the books we explore. Reading has become a full-body, sensory-rich adventure that helps every student, no matter their learning style, connect meaningfully with stories.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting parts of this project has been watching how much my students have grown in their understanding of what books can do for them. Before, reading was often a passive experience—something that was done to them rather than with them. Now, they eagerly dive into stories with anticipation. They feel the soft fabric from a story's cozy setting, smell the pretend cookies the characters bake, and listen carefully to sound effects that bring the text to life. These sensory experiences have helped bridge the gap between abstract language and real-world understanding. My students are not only developing stronger comprehension skills, but also learning that reading can be exciting, comforting, and empowering.\r\n\r\nMy students have learned to sit, engage, and participate more meaningfully in our lessons. During story time, they now understand that a \"tuffet\" is a small padded stool, and that \"curds and whey\" are simply cottage cheese! These may seem like small discoveries, but to my students—and to their families—they are huge leaps in comprehension and connection. Many of their parents didn't even know these things themselves, and the children absolutely love going home to teach their families what they've learned. It is heartwarming to hear parents say, \"They came home and told me all about the story and even showed me what curds and whey are!\" That's what this program has done for us—it has brought learning to life and made reading a shared joy that reaches beyond our classroom walls.\r\n\r\nI love seeing that my students have learned to love reading. They are so proud of their new knowledge and confidence that they often pull out books and \"read\" them to each other. Watching them turn pages, describe pictures, and retell stories with laughter and excitement shows how far they've come. They are learning that books are not just something adults read to them—they are something they can explore, share, and enjoy together.\r\n\r\nThese moments show just how powerful multisensory learning can be. By resetting our approach to reading—through touch, sound, movement, and emotion—we are meeting students where they are and helping them discover the joy of literacy. This project has built confidence, curiosity, and connection in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for believing in this vision and making it possible. Your generosity has given my students not just books, but experiences. They are becoming more confident, expressive, and joyful readers every day—and it's all because you helped empower them to fall in love with reading in their own unique way.","fullyFundedDate":1741406207238,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-readers-resources-for-every/9070002/","projectTitle":"Empowering Readers: Resources for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loertscher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8665066_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712716198971","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8665066"},{"teacherId":8665066,"projectId":9381405,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our proprioceptive learning program has truly transformed the way my students learn, move, and engage in the classroom. What started as a hope—to give my students the tools they need to regulate their bodies and strengthen their motor and sensory systems—has turned into one of the most meaningful additions to our educational program. I am so grateful for your contribution, because it has made a visible and lasting difference in the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many of my students struggled with focus, body awareness, and coordination. Sitting still, holding a pencil, or even maintaining attention for short periods of time could be challenging. Now, with our proprioceptive learning activities in place, I see daily improvements that go far beyond the classroom. The program allows students to learn and apply skills simultaneously—they are moving, stretching, balancing, and engaging their whole bodies while also developing essential academic and social-emotional abilities. This hands-on, movement-based approach has given them new ways to express themselves and to learn through action.\r\n\r\nOne of my students, who previously found it difficult to stand independently, has made incredible progress. Through consistent proprioceptive activities that strengthen her core and balance, she can now stand longer and more steadily than ever before. Seeing her pride and confidence grow along with her physical ability has been an emotional and inspiring experience for all of us. Another student who used to become easily frustrated during seated work now uses movement breaks and sensory input from the program to help regulate his body and emotions. As a result, he's able to stay focused and complete tasks more independently.\r\n\r\nEvery student in my class has shown improvement in gross motor coordination, body awareness, and fine motor control. These skills are the foundation for so much of their learning—from writing and cutting to self-care and play. The activities have also helped them understand their bodies in space, which builds confidence and reduces anxiety. It's been amazing to watch them cheer each other on as they master new movements or balance challenges. They are not only building their muscles but also developing teamwork, perseverance, and self-esteem.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical progress, this project has brought joy, energy, and engagement into our daily routine. The smiles, laughter, and enthusiasm during our proprioceptive sessions remind me that movement is a powerful form of learning. My students are calmer, happier, and more ready to learn after participating in these activities. The impact is clear not just in their improved motor skills, but in their overall readiness to participate, communicate, and grow.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and investing in their potential. Your support has strengthened their bodies, minds, and spirits—and it has strengthened our classroom community as well. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1748607944417,"projectUrl":"project/moving-minds-proprioceptive-learning-fo/9381405/","projectTitle":"Moving Minds: Proprioceptive Learning for Students With Disabilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loertscher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8665066_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712716198971","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8665066"},{"teacherId":4734290,"projectId":9301828,"letterContent":"Wow! We are off to an AMAZING start to this school year! I wish I could bottle up the enthusiasm so many of our students showed when they walked into our pod and saw it decorated for the first time! We are known as the \"cool\" pod at school and so many of our students come each day still showing appreciation for it. \r\nThe biggest hit? Timmy Jr! He's our beta fish that we've been able to adopt thanks to your generous donations. Our group has already adopted a second fish with a second aquarium! It's amazing to see and hear how many of our fourth graders walk in and immediately stop at the tanks to say good morning. We have even had fourth graders \"cool down\" by watching them swim around. \r\nWe are all so grateful for your generosity and for supporting our 4th graders. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1746765642001,"projectUrl":"project/planting-fourth-grade-learners/9301828/","projectTitle":"Planting Fourth Grade Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4734290"},{"teacherId":2018066,"projectId":9369876,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring Math Intervention Magic to life in our classroom! Your generous contribution has made a real difference for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, we now have the hands-on math tools, headphones, organizers, and manipulatives that many of our learners needed. These resources are helping students who struggle with foundational concepts to see the math, touch the math, and play with it—so those hard ideas become less scary and more understandable.\r\n\r\nAlready, I'm seeing increased confidence. Students who used to freeze up in math now want to try problems. They are more engaged during intervention time. Having headphones means fewer distractions, so students can work more quietly and independently when using online practice. Organizers and manipulatives help with focus, clarity, and a sense of ownership.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students are better equipped to close their learning gaps and grow their understanding—one concept at a time. It's not just about improving skills; it's about believing, \"Yes, I can do this.\"\r\n\r\nThank you from the bottom of our hearts for making Math Intervention Magic possible. Your support empowers these young minds to succeed in math (and in life).","fullyFundedDate":1749345619500,"projectUrl":"project/math-intervention-magic-unlocking-stude/9369876/","projectTitle":"Math Intervention Magic: Unlocking Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Schrage","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2018066_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1450320165776","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/schrage"},{"teacherId":2018066,"projectId":9208072,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our classroom with chair pockets! My kindergarteners were beyond excited to have their very own space to keep supplies organized and within reach. The moment we slipped the pockets onto their chairs, the room was filled with smiles and chatter—students immediately began placing their books, folders, and pencils inside.\r\n\r\nThese chair pockets have already made a huge difference in our daily routines. Transitions are smoother, students are more independent in finding their materials, and our classroom feels more organized. One little student even said, \"Now I don't lose my crayons anymore!\"\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a calmer, more structured learning environment where students can focus on growing their skills. We are so grateful for your support—it truly makes a lasting impact on our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1743005246385,"projectUrl":"project/keep-it-neat-chair-pockets-for-organize/9208072/","projectTitle":"Keep It Neat: Chair Pockets for Organized Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Schrage","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2018066_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1450320165776","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/schrage"},{"teacherId":4734290,"projectId":9235577,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your amazing generosity in choosing to donate towards giving our 4th graders an amazing send-off in the form of a beach day! We can not wait to see their faces and hear their excitement when they walk into the pod and see the decorations and fun we have planned. \r\n\r\nAs students get older, it is harder to keep them excited, engaged, and wanting to come to school. When we are able to plan these days (days they see as fun, but is really just learning disguised) it creates a buzz that makes students want to come to school.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your incredible donation and thoughtfulness. We couldn't do our jobs without wonderful people like you!","fullyFundedDate":1744385651167,"projectUrl":"project/fourth-grade-end-of-year-beach-party/9235577/","projectTitle":"Fourth Grade End of Year Beach Party","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4734290"},{"teacherId":4734290,"projectId":9144140,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to our classroom! Your generosity means so much to us and our students. Students (and teachers) no longer have to worry about where their next notebook is coming from and can be proud when they fill a notebook up with their learning. \r\n\r\nOur students were SHOCKED as they watched us unpack all of our new notebooks. It was fun to see their surprised faces as we brought in box after box. Who knew a box of notebooks could make a 10 year old's day! \r\n\r\nWe've been using the notebooks to help learn fractions and decimals in math, r-controlled vowels in spelling, poetry in writing, and theme in reading. Student notes have never been so organized! Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1741388137933,"projectUrl":"project/notebooks-needed/9144140/","projectTitle":"Notebooks Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4734290"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_122114","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":75,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Weighted Average","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":68.7,"schoolId":122114,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Iles Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Iles Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/quincy-school-district-172/iles-elementary-school-opening-fall-2018-/122114"}