{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kimes Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2780581,"projectId":10240138,"letterContent":"This project made a wonderful difference in our preschool classroom. My students came into the classroom each day curious, excited, and ready to explore, and these new hands-on materials gave them even more opportunities to learn through play. I watched students build, sort, count, create, problem-solve, and use their imaginations while developing important skills without even realizing they were learning.\r\n\r\nFor some of my students, especially those who needed additional support, having materials they could touch, manipulate, and explore made learning more accessible and meaningful. Students who may have been hesitant to participate became more engaged and confident as they experienced success during play. These materials also encouraged children to work together, communicate their ideas, take turns, and solve problems with their peers.\r\n\r\nThe materials were used throughout the year in our rotating themed centers, bringing our curriculum to life and giving students new ways to explore topics such as dinosaurs, insects, winter, and more. The storage solutions also helped us protect and organize our resources so they could continue to be used by our current students and future preschoolers.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher in a historically underfunded classroom, having access to these materials meant so much. This project helped me provide the rich, hands-on learning experiences my students deserved and reminded them that their curiosity and creativity mattered. Every time a child proudly figured something out, shared an idea, or said, \"Look what I made!\" I could see the impact these resources were making. Because of this project, my students had more opportunities to explore, discover, and grow—and those are experiences they will carry with them long after they leave our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778711073861,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-learning-year-round-p/10240138/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Learning: Year-Round Preschool Centers & Storage Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780602642820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ltorres"},{"teacherId":10484900,"projectId":10217147,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generosity of your donation. Having the opportunity to know we can expand STEM activities in my classroom is so exciting. \r\n\r\nPackages have been delivered to my classroom regularly since my students started and their eyes continue to light up with each package. They are excited to see what is inside each box and even more excited to find out it is something for them. They have gotten to help place the items together by our science cabinet and had the chance to look at what we have received. \r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so much for your generosity. I am exciting to be able to use these materials over the next several years and hopefully even longer! We will keep your generosity in mind with each use!","fullyFundedDate":1778711073523,"projectUrl":"project/naturally-curious-learners-wanting-stem/10217147/","projectTitle":"Naturally Curious Learners Wanting STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10484900"},{"teacherId":10484900,"projectId":10292600,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in making a meaningful difference for my classroom. Because of your donation, my students will have access to resources that will make learning more engaging, meaningful, and exciting.\r\n\r\nThe students have been excited and eager as packages have been getting delivered daily. We have spent some time unboxing items together and their faces have been lighting up knowing what we have to look forward to this year. \r\n\r\nWe plan to put everything to good use. With having more fun items to add, it helps to rotate things throughout the centers. With young children, it is important to be able to rotate things often and now we are fortunate enough to be able to do that. I could not appreciate you generosity more!","fullyFundedDate":1785178297740,"projectUrl":"project/conference-finds-for-curious-pre-k-minds/10292600/","projectTitle":"Conference Finds for Curious Pre-K Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10484900"},{"teacherId":7810242,"projectId":10192468,"letterContent":"I am so grateful to the generous donors who funded our DonorsChoose project and provided totes to help organize our classroom theme bins! Your support has made such a wonderful difference in creating a more organized, structured, and functional learning environment for my students.\r\n\r\nHaving organized materials allows me to keep our classroom running smoothly and makes it easier for students to access the resources they need for hands-on learning. The totes will help keep our theme materials organized and ready to use throughout the year, giving our classroom a more welcoming and productive feel. Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping me create an environment where my students can learn, explore, and grow with greater independence. Your generosity truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1778711074596,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-organized-spaces/10192468/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: Organized Spaces for STEM and Blocks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7810242_orig.jpg?crop=1330,1330,x443,y1066&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1617222487034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jberninger"},{"teacherId":7810242,"projectId":10177334,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful to the generous donors who supported our DonorsChoose project and helped give our classroom a fresh start! Your kindness has made such a meaningful difference in creating a warm, welcoming, and inviting space for my students. With new bulletin boards and classroom items, our room feels brighter, more organized, and ready for a new year of learning and growth.\r\n\r\nA welcoming classroom environment can make students feel comfortable, excited, and ready to learn. Your support has helped me create a space where my students can feel a sense of belonging and pride in their classroom. Thank you for investing in our learners and helping make our classroom a place where students can feel inspired, supported, and excited to come to school each day. Your generosity has truly helped us begin this learning journey with a fresh start!","fullyFundedDate":1778711074348,"projectUrl":"project/a-fresh-start-for-little-learners/10177334/","projectTitle":"A Fresh Start for Little Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7810242_orig.jpg?crop=1330,1330,x443,y1066&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1617222487034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jberninger"},{"teacherId":7810242,"projectId":10177316,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the generous donors who supported our DonorsChoose project! Your kindness and generosity brought a huge smile to my students' faces and helped make our classroom block center complete. Seeing their excitement as they explored the new materials was truly special, and your support has created an opportunity for meaningful learning and discovery.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, my students will be able to engage with fine motor and engineering materials that encourage creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and hands-on exploration. These materials support STEM learning while making education fun and engaging for young learners. Thank you for investing in my students and helping create a classroom where they can build, create, experiment, and learn through play. Your generosity will make a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1776107575712,"projectUrl":"project/helping-little-learners-build-big-future/10177316/","projectTitle":"Helping Little Learners Build Big Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7810242_orig.jpg?crop=1330,1330,x443,y1066&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1617222487034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jberninger"},{"teacherId":8531280,"projectId":10211738,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your incredible generosity in funding my project! Because of your kindness, my Kindergarten and 1st Grade reading intervention students will have the tools and resources they need to grow as confident, successful readers.\r\n\r\nAs we begin the new school year, we are well stocked with the supplies and learning materials we need because of your generous donation. What a wonderful feeling it is to start the year knowing my students will have access to engaging resources from the very first day of school!\r\n\r\nYour support is much more than a donation—it is an investment in children who are working hard every day to build foundational literacy skills. The classroom materials you provided will make reading more engaging, meaningful, and fun while giving my students opportunities to experience success and build confidence.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our classroom, thank you for making a lasting difference in their educational journey. Your kindness will impact their learning for years to come, and I am deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1778711073379,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-little-readers-through-big-su/10211738/","projectTitle":"Empowering Little Readers Through Big Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ploch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8531280_orig.jpg?crop=3418,3418,x0,y341&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1776888955517","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsplochtitle"},{"teacherId":2780581,"projectId":7288715,"letterContent":"The calming area has had a positive impact on my preschool students by giving them a safe and comfortable space to manage their emotions, practice self-regulation, and take a break when they feel overwhelmed. When the students first saw the new materials, they were incredibly excited, happy, and eager to explore them. Many immediately talked about their favorite items and were excited to have a special place in the classroom where they could relax and feel calm.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment was when a student who often became frustrated during group activities chose to use the calming area independently. After spending a few minutes with the sensory materials and calming tools, the student returned to the group ready to participate and learn. Experiences like this have helped students recognize their feelings, develop coping skills, and build confidence in managing emotions. The calming area has created a more positive learning environment where students feel supported, focused, and ready to engage in classroom activities.","fullyFundedDate":1682718355010,"projectUrl":"project/calming-area-in-pre-k/7288715/","projectTitle":"Calming Area in Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780602642820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ltorres"},{"teacherId":2780581,"projectId":5761469,"letterContent":"These science supplies provided hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking in my preschool students. Magnifying glasses encourage close observation of objects in nature and the classroom, helping children develop investigation skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Sound eggs strengthen listening skills, sound discrimination, and memory as students compare and match different sounds. Sensory shapes support shape recognition, fine motor development, and sensory exploration through touch. The flower model introduces students to plant life cycles and the parts of a flower, building early science vocabulary and understanding. Together, these materials make science engaging, interactive, and meaningful for my young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1632395672982,"projectUrl":"project/science-supplies/5761469/","projectTitle":"Science Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780602642820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ltorres"},{"teacherId":2780581,"projectId":5502421,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful difference in my inclusive preschool classroom, which serves children ages 3–5, including students with special needs and students who are at risk. With two sections of up to 20 students, having engaging, developmentally appropriate materials is essential to meeting the diverse needs of my learners.\r\n\r\nThe new kitchen set has transformed our dramatic play center into an inviting, engaging space where students can explore, imagine, and learn through hands-on play. The kitchen provides opportunities for children to practice important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, communicating, cooperating, and solving problems with their peers. These skills are especially important for our young learners, many of whom continue to need additional opportunities to develop social interactions and play skills following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\n\r\nThe kitchen also allows students to connect classroom learning to experiences from their own homes and communities. Through pretend cooking, preparing meals, serving food, and caring for others, students are developing language, vocabulary, fine-motor skills, independence, and social-emotional skills in a natural and enjoyable way.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the new kitchen has increased engagement in our dramatic play center. Students are excited to enter the space, use their imaginations, and participate in meaningful play alongside their classmates. For students with special needs, the accessible and developmentally appropriate materials provide additional opportunities to practice communication, social interaction, and independence at their own level.\r\n\r\nBecause our Preschool for All program is grant-funded and has experienced funding deficits, projects like this provide materials that our classroom budget cannot always support. This project has helped create a richer learning environment where every child has the opportunity to play, explore, learn, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1618274270840,"projectUrl":"project/giving-my-pre-k-students-a-place-to-lear/5502421/","projectTitle":"Giving My Pre-K Students a Place to Learn Social Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780602642820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ltorres"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27654","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":351,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":61,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 1","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":77.5,"schoolId":27654,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kimes Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kimes Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/streator-elementary-school-district-44/kimes-elementary-school/27654"}