{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bernard J Ward Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9130600,"letterContent":"When our new Demco® Acrylic Browsing Bins arrived, it truly felt like a turning point for our library. Before, so many wonderful books were hidden on crowded shelves, their spines barely noticed. Now, students can easily see colorful covers that immediately draw them in — an adorable puppy, a fascinating fact, or an exciting adventure waiting to be opened. What used to be an intimidating wall of books has become an inviting display of possibilities. It's honestly awestriking how something as simple as showing the covers has completely changed how our students interact with books.\r\n\r\nReading in our library now looks joyful, curious, and self-directed. Younger readers — especially those still learning English — feel more confident exploring and selecting books that speak to their interests. They flip through books like they scroll on a tablet, naturally drawn to stories that catch their eye. With the shelves redesigned and the books re-cataloged into kid-friendly categories like \"Land Animals\" or \"Job Books,\" students can now find exactly what excites them. Book selection, once a challenge for many, has become a source of pride and delight.\r\n\r\nSome of our most hesitant readers have turned into regular visitors, proudly recommending books to their friends or asking for \"more like this one.\" It's been heartwarming to see their confidence bloom. Your generosity didn't just bring us shelves — it helped us reshape the entire experience of reading for our students. Because of donors like you, our library isn't just a room filled with books anymore — it's a place where lifelong readers are being made every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1740850926824,"projectUrl":"project/if-we-cant-see-it-we-cant-read-it/9130600/","projectTitle":"If We Can't See It, We Can't Read It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":8627181,"projectId":9336796,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your generous support in providing new technology for our classroom. Many of our students come from diverse backgrounds, and this technology has opened up exciting new ways for them to engage with learning. While some of you may use technology at home differently, in our classroom it is a powerful tool that helps students explore ideas, collaborate with peers, and access information in ways that were not possible before.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most about this new technology is how interactive and fun it makes learning. For example, some students who were previously hesitant to participate have become more confident, especially those who learn best through visual and hands-on experiences. One student in particular has really flourished using the new tablets to practice reading and math games—seeing their enthusiasm grow has been wonderful. This technology has truly helped personalize learning and make it more meaningful for every student.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we have been able to create a more dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment. Your support is making a real difference, and I'm so grateful that you've helped bring this technology to our classroom. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1747322067176,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-student-creativity-and-owners/9336796/","projectTitle":"Empowering Student Creativity and Ownership Through Classroom Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zaragoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627181_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x81,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1681317478575","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8627181"},{"teacherId":8627181,"projectId":9322192,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! When my dual language learners first saw the new resources, their excitement was contagious. One student exclaimed, \"We get to use these?!\" It was a moment of pure joy. We recently used the materials during a storytelling project where students created bilingual books about their families. Watching them proudly write and share stories in both English and their home language was incredibly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nThese resources are making a real difference. As we move into our next unit, students will be using them to build vocabulary and deepen their writing skills through group projects centered on community and identity. Your generosity has brought new energy into our learning space, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to grow, create, and learn together. Thank you for being a part of our journey!\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1746523522891,"projectUrl":"project/my-world-my-words-a-dual-language-wr/9322192/","projectTitle":"\"My World, My Words – A Dual Language Writing Journey\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zaragoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627181_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x81,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1681317478575","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8627181"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9203726,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us refresh our library with exciting, high-interest nonfiction books! Because of your generous support, our shelves are now filled with titles that reflect the topics our students love most—dinosaurs, space, military history, wild animals, vehicles, and more. These new books are already making a huge impact. Students who used to wander the nonfiction section without finding something that grabbed their attention now head straight to the shelves with purpose and excitement.\r\n\r\nIn our library, reading is loud with curiosity and bursting with questions. Students are sprawled out on the rug with books about tanks and T. rexes, calling over friends to show them cool facts or amazing pictures. These books are helping them build background knowledge, improve their vocabulary, and make meaningful connections across subjects. For our English learners, the vivid images and clear text features make complex information accessible and engaging. One student who had never checked out a nonfiction book before is now on his third book about the solar system—and proudly shared what he learned with the class.\r\n\r\nYou've done more than just donate books—you've fueled imaginations, strengthened reading skills, and reminded students that their interests matter. Thank you for helping us create a library where every student can find something that excites them and discover that learning is a lifelong adventure.","fullyFundedDate":1742904877911,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-curiosity-nonfiction-books-for/9203726/","projectTitle":"Fueling Curiosity: Nonfiction Books for Young Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9203190,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our LEGO storytelling project! Because of your generosity, our students now have access to new minifigures, baseplates, and animal figures that are taking their creativity and storytelling to exciting new heights. These additions have brought fresh energy and inspiration to our school library's LEGO station, where students now build not just structures, but rich, imaginative worlds filled with characters, adventures, and meaningful stories.\r\n\r\nIn our library, storytelling looks like students gathered around a baseplate, discussing character traits, designing settings, and problem-solving as they create plots together. These hands-on materials have encouraged collaboration, sparked conversations, and helped even our most reluctant writers find a new way to express themselves. For many English learners, building first and then narrating their stories has given them confidence with language and allowed their voices to shine. One student who often struggles with writing proudly shared an elaborate story about a jungle rescue mission—complete with a LEGO tiger and brave explorers.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our students aren't just playing—they're thinking critically, working together, and developing literacy skills in a joyful, engaging way. You've given them the tools to build more than just LEGO creations—you've helped them build confidence, creativity, and a love for storytelling that will stay with them far beyond the library.","fullyFundedDate":1742904833699,"projectUrl":"project/from-blocks-to-books-storytelling-with/9203190/","projectTitle":"From Blocks to Books: Storytelling with LEGO","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9200125,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us transform our school library with flexible, movement-friendly seating! Thanks to your generosity, our students now have access to wobble stools and wave seats that bring comfort, energy, and flexibility into their learning space. These new seats have truly changed the atmosphere in our library—making it more inviting, more student-centered, and better suited to the way kids learn today. For students who need to wiggle, shift, or stretch in order to stay focused, these options have been a game-changer.\r\n\r\nReading and learning now look different in the best way. Instead of stiff rows and tired old chairs, our students sit in cozy, flexible arrangements where they can read, collaborate, or work independently in ways that suit their needs. I've seen students who used to struggle with focus become more engaged simply because they're now more comfortable and free to move. One student told me, \"I can think better when I sit on the wobble stool,\" and others rush to grab their favorite seat before settling in with a book. Whether they're diving into a new story or working on a group project, our students are more focused, more cooperative, and more excited to be in the library.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us create not just a better space, but a better experience for our students—one where they feel seen, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you for investing in their success and helping us build a library that meets their needs now and in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1742904966462,"projectUrl":"project/a-library-that-moves-with-you/9200125/","projectTitle":"A Library That Moves with You","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9178215,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project to keep our school library books safe, organized, and accessible! While tape, labels, and Ziploc bags may seem like simple materials, they are making a huge difference in the lives of our young readers. These supplies are helping us care for the books our students love—reinforcing worn covers, labeling by genre or level for easy browsing, and protecting them as they travel between school and home. Because of your generosity, students now have a cleaner, more inviting, and better-organized library experience that supports their curiosity and independence.\r\n\r\nIn our school, reading looks like backpacks full of protected books heading home with excited readers, students eagerly browsing labeled bins to find just the right story, and well-worn favorites getting a second life thanks to strong tape. These materials are allowing our small but mighty library collection to go further, last longer, and reach more children.\r\n\r\nYour support has given our students not just books, but the message that their reading journeys matter. Every book you've helped preserve is another doorway into learning, imagination, and possibility. We are so grateful for your kindness and belief in our readers.","fullyFundedDate":1742904932107,"projectUrl":"project/stick-seal-save-keeping-books-ready-t/9178215/","projectTitle":"Stick, Seal, Save: Keeping Books Ready to Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9170579,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Real-World Reads: Motivating Reluctant Readers with Nonfiction! Because of your generosity, our school library is now filled with exciting new nonfiction books that truly connect with our students' interests and spark their imaginations. Every day, I see students who once hesitated at the shelves now eagerly choosing books, asking questions, and engaging in conversations sparked by what they've read.\r\n\r\nIn our library, reading is becoming more than just a skill—it's becoming an experience. These books support important reading strategies like identifying key details, using text features, and building content-area vocabulary. For our many English learners, the clear visuals and accessible language make challenging topics feel within reach, giving them both confidence and excitement. \r\n\r\nThese new nonfiction reads are opening doors—doors to curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them see that learning can be an adventure. Your support is planting the seeds of lifelong reading and learning, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1742904790551,"projectUrl":"project/real-world-reads-motivating-reluctant-r/9170579/","projectTitle":"Real-World Reads: Motivating Reluctant Readers with Nonfiction","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9132368,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing Wild and Wonderful Reads to life in our school library! Your generosity has made a tremendous difference for our students. With these 72 exciting nonfiction books now on our shelves, our readers are diving into worlds filled with wild animals, strange phenomena, powerful athletes, and hilarious facts. These books have completely transformed our nonfiction section, and you can see the impact every time a student rushes to check out a new discovery or shares a fun fact with a classmate. Even our most reluctant readers—especially some of our English learners—are finding books they love and can't wait to talk about.\r\n\r\nReading in our library is now filled with even more energy, laughter, and curiosity. Students are reading independently, with friends, and even aloud to younger buddies. These books introduce important literacy skills like using text features (captions, diagrams, and glossaries), asking questions, making inferences, and building background knowledge. One student who had never checked out nonfiction before now comes in every week asking for \"the grossest or weirdest book you have!\" Another student, new to the country and learning English, beams with pride when she reads a short, fact-filled page aloud. These moments happen every day because of your support.\r\n\r\nYour gift didn't just buy books—it sparked a love of learning, discovery, and joy in reading that will stay with our students for years to come. Thank you for believing in the power of weird, wacky, and wonderful books to change lives.","fullyFundedDate":1742904696084,"projectUrl":"project/wild-and-wonderful-reads-celebrating-we/9132368/","projectTitle":"Wild and Wonderful Reads: Celebrating Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Reads","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9195205,"letterContent":"I wish we could post videos on DonorsChoose because I'm not sure the pictures give justice to the level of excitement our students have over our new 3D printer! It sounded more like a local sporting event versus a library as students gathered to watch the 3D printer at work, with shouts of excitement filling the air the students were simply enthralled and mesmerized by the printer at work. \r\n\r\nI've been humbled to see how many of our students are interested not just in the physical materials it prints but in the science behind a 3D printer. They are clamoring to learn more about design and innovation thanks to your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1742904453122,"projectUrl":"project/printing-the-future-3d-innovation-for-y/9195205/","projectTitle":"Printing the Future: 3D Innovation for Young Mind","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9050859,"letterContent":"That glorious laughter you hear in the library? That's the sweet, sweet sound of reading! Thanks to your generosity, our Tonies have already been a huge hit—and they're only a week old! During their library visits, students love to relax and immerse themselves in a good book. With Tonies, they get to enjoy the magic of storytelling while giving their eyes a break from screens.\r\n\r\nBut these aren't just ordinary audiobooks! With engaging narration and fun sound effects, they captivate our students, bringing stories to life in a whole new way. Their imaginations are running full throttle, and it's all because of you. Thank you for bringing so much reading joy to our library!","fullyFundedDate":1740684388681,"projectUrl":"project/our-library-has-all-kinds-of-readers-t/9050859/","projectTitle":"Our Library Has All Kinds of Readers - Toniebox Audiobooks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9108542,"letterContent":"'Thank you for bringing the magic of storytelling to our students! Because of your generosity, we now have a wonderful collection of wordless books that transform reading into an engaging, interactive experience. Our students love going on \"story walks,\" where they move from page to page, creating their own narratives, inferring meaning, and collaborating with their peers. The ability to physically walk through a book makes reading even more exciting—especially for students who need movement to stay engaged. These books are more than just pictures on a page; they are a springboard for imagination, critical thinking, and meaningful discussions that help students develop their communication skills in a fun and creative way.\r\n\r\nIt is incredible to see the excitement on their faces as they work together to build a story, each adding their own unique perspective and voice. For many, this experience builds confidence in expressing ideas and fosters a love of storytelling. The movement and interaction make reading feel like an adventure, helping even the most reluctant readers find joy in books. Your support has given our students the chance to become authors, storytellers, and engaged learners. Thank you for believing in the power of creativity and for making such a difference in our library and in our students' learning journeys!","fullyFundedDate":1739563219823,"projectUrl":"project/walk-talk-and-imagine-boosting-litera/9108542/","projectTitle":"Walk, Talk, and Imagine: Boosting Literacy with Wordless Picture Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814143_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543349540555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-tloves2read"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25212","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":346,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":20,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":63.2,"schoolId":25212,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bernard J Ward Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bernard J Ward Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/valley-view-cmty-sd-365-u/bernard-j-ward-elementary-school/25212"}