{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Iles Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9505450,"projectId":9902173,"letterContent":"I would like to thank you for funding our flexible seating project! You all have helped my students become more engaged in their academic success. Because of you, my students now have the opportunity to move, collaborate, and stay focused. It has transformed my classroom into a welcoming place for all students. Watching my students light up as they choose their seating and settle into learning was so rewarding. My students went from struggling to focus to succeeding tremendously with your help! Without you all, none of this would have been possible!","fullyFundedDate":1763481229191,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating/9902173/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9505450"},{"teacherId":4734290,"projectId":10169810,"letterContent":"Your donations will have a huge impact on our 4th grade students. In our 4th grade classrooms our students have a wide range of emotions as we gear up for summer break. Yes, many are very excited! We also have students who are not looking forward to break. There are many different reasons for these feelings but we wanted to be able to send all students (but especially these) off to summer break with a positive memory. \r\n\r\nWe do our best but without your support our celebration and thus their memories wouldn't be as exciting. We can't express our gratitude for this enough. Thank you so much for making this possible for us and our students!","fullyFundedDate":1776298613122,"projectUrl":"project/celebrate-good-4th-grade-times/10169810/","projectTitle":"Celebrate Good 4th Grade Times","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":10050040,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have small rewards and candy incentives that help motivate them to stay focused and work hard throughout the week. These materials have become part of a positive classroom routine where students earn rewards by demonstrating effort, persistence, and responsibility during their learning time.\r\n\r\nOne moment that really stood out happened during our math work time. Students were especially focused because they knew they were working toward their weekly reward. I saw students encouraging each other, staying on task longer, and celebrating small successes together. It created a really positive energy in the room where students felt proud of their hard work.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the rewards, they were incredibly excited. It immediately boosted their motivation and made them feel recognized for the effort they put into their learning. They loved knowing that their focus and perseverance could lead to something special at the end of the week.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue using these incentives as part of our classroom goal-setting system. Students are working on building strong habits like staying focused during lessons, completing their work carefully, and supporting their classmates. Over time, we're helping students connect their effort with success, which builds confidence and responsibility that will support them in all areas of learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping create a classroom environment where students feel motivated, supported, and excited to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1769804715104,"projectUrl":"project/small-prizes-big-smiles/10050040/","projectTitle":"Small Prizes, Big Smiles","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":8665066,"projectId":9917555,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of supplies such as Velcro did and lamination sheets so that I can continue to make individual supplies for each of my students. Keeping up with the individual needs of each of my students can be a daunting task. I appreciate all your help in making this possible.\r\n\r\nYour donation has allowed me to make several adapted books, visual schedules, and work box tasks for my students. This helps them stay on task, interact with books, and learn in hands in ways instead of doing work sheets.","fullyFundedDate":1764015217654,"projectUrl":"project/special-supplies/9917555/","projectTitle":"Special Supplies","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":9901802,"letterContent":"Breads of Courage has made a big impact on our class. We worked very hard and learned a lot throughout this project. We made over 150 bracelets, wrote awareness papers, and packaged each bracelet with its paper. After that, we created a PowerPoint presentation and practiced many times so we could present to our principal. We were nervous, but we did our best and were proud of ourselves for speaking up and sharing our ideas.\r\n\r\nWhen we got approval to sell our bracelets, we were very excited. Now we are working on order forms, commercials, and advertisements so we can sell our bracelets and help fund our classroom. This project has taught us how to work as a team, stay organized, and not give up when something feels hard. We learned that our work can make a real difference.\r\n\r\nWe are very proud of everything we have accomplished. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of Breads of Courage. This experience helped us believe in ourselves and taught us how to advocate for ourselves and our classroom.\r\n\r\nThis is what my students wanted to let you know. Thank you again for your donations in behalf of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1763693861182,"projectUrl":"project/beads-of-courage/9901802/","projectTitle":"Beads of Courage","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":10071440,"projectId":9818812,"letterContent":"Our new classroom rug has quickly become the heart of our learning space. We use it every day for community circles, read alouds, lessons, and small group discussions. One of my favorite moments was watching students gather together for our first read aloud on the rug. Everyone was engaged, comfortable, and excited to be part of the conversation.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the rug, their faces lit up. They immediately commented on how cozy it felt and could not wait to sit on it.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students now have a welcoming space to collaborate, reflect, and learn together. They also love hanging out there during work time. Our next steps include using the rug more intentionally during reading groups, social emotional lessons, and collaborative problem solving activities as we continue building strong communication and teamwork skills.","fullyFundedDate":1763792204354,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rug/9818812/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sharrow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10071440_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751816758121","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10071440"},{"teacherId":4734290,"projectId":9913429,"letterContent":"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I wish you all could have been here to feel the excitement and see the joy and fun our students were able to experience on Reindeer Day. It would not have been possible without all of you! Several times throughout the day I had to stop and just enjoy the moment. \r\n\r\nAfter returning from break several of our students mentioned Reindeer Day. They talked about how much fun it was to give their gifts to their loved ones. Some said it was the first time they had ever been able to give a gift. Your generosity helped make that happen. \r\n\r\nNo matter what kind of break our students went home to, they were sent off having had fun, getting to be creative, and feeling loved. We cannot express how much we appreciate you for helping us give our students this gift.","fullyFundedDate":1764438427205,"projectUrl":"project/reindeer-dayagain/9913429/","projectTitle":"Reindeer Day...Again!","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":9779512,"letterContent":"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I wish you all could have been here to feel the excitement and see the joy and fun our students were able to experience on Reindeer Day. It would not have been possible without all of you! Several times throughout the day I had to stop and just enjoy the moment. \r\n\r\nAfter returning from break several of our students mentioned Reindeer Day. They talked about how much fun it was to give their gifts to their loved ones. Some said it was the first time they had ever been able to give a gift. Your generosity helped make that happen. \r\n\r\nNo matter what kind of break our students went home to, they were sent off having had fun, getting to be creative, and feeling loved. We cannot express how much we appreciate you for helping us give our students this gift.","fullyFundedDate":1762267565566,"projectUrl":"project/fourth-grade-reindeer-day-fun/9779512/","projectTitle":"Fourth Grade Reindeer Day Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4734290"},{"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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_122114","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":70,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":70.2,"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"}