{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bernard J Ward Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9923356,"letterContent":"When our new browsing bins arrived, the first thing my students did was gather around them and start flipping through the books. Instead of seeing rows of spines on a shelf, they could finally see the covers and quickly find books that looked interesting to them. For many of my students, the school library is their main access to books, so being able to easily see and choose what they want to read makes a huge difference. Right away, I noticed students picking up books they might have walked past before and excitedly showing their friends what they found.\r\n\r\nWe are using the bins every day during library time. Students are much more confident choosing books on their own because they can quickly browse through a bin and spot something that catches their attention. It has also helped me guide readers more easily—whether a student wants a funny graphic novel, an animal book, or something a little more challenging. Watching students independently find books they're excited about has been one of the best parts. Research shows that when students can select their own reading materials, they are more engaged and motivated to read, and I'm already seeing that happen in our library.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll continue building students' independence as readers by encouraging them to explore new genres and recommend books to their classmates. The browsing bins have made our library feel more inviting and accessible, and students are discovering books they truly enjoy. Thank you for helping create a space where every child can find something that sparks their curiosity and helps them see themselves as a reader.","fullyFundedDate":1769177193347,"projectUrl":"project/self-confident-readers-self-selecting-b/9923356/","projectTitle":"Self-Confident Readers: Self Selecting 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"},{"teacherId":814143,"projectId":9240246,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, reading has become something our students own, not just something they borrow or practice for a grade.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors love books, but teaching students to become readers is about more than finishing a text. These new books introduce students to critical skills such as close reading, making inferences, comparing perspectives, expanding academic vocabulary, and discussing ideas respectfully with peers. Because the titles are high-interest and student-selected, readers are more motivated to stick with challenging texts, reread for understanding, and talk deeply about what they've read.\r\n\r\nReading in our school now looks social, joyful, and meaningful. During Battle of the Books meetings, students and staff gather in small groups to talk about their books. Conversations are student-driven—students ask questions, make connections, and build confidence as they share their thinking. For many of our English learners and low-income students, this is the first book they've ever been able to call their own. That sense of ownership changes everything.\r\n\r\nWe see students carrying their books proudly, reading during free moments, and taking them home to share with siblings and family members. Some students who were previously reluctant readers are now eager participants, excited to be part of a reading community. Others—especially our English learners—feel safer taking risks, knowing they can reread at their own pace and mark pages without fear of \"doing it wrong.\"\r\n\r\nThis project has helped transform reading from an assignment into an experience students value. The donuts may bring students to the table, but the books keep them reading—building confidence, comprehension, and a lifelong connection to stories.","fullyFundedDate":1749498536185,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-the-fight-for-reading-with-books/9240246/","projectTitle":"Fuel the Fight (for Reading!) with Books and Donuts","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":9478719,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. The new organizational resources are already making a meaningful difference in how my students approach their learning. We are using them daily to organize class materials, track assignments, and manage long-term projects. One recent moment that stood out was watching students independently set up their folders and planners—many expressed excitement about finally being able to \"find everything\" and feel prepared for class.\r\n\r\nWhen students first received the materials, their reactions were full of enthusiasm and pride. Several students shared that staying organized has helped them feel less stressed and more confident in their work. These tools have created a more focused learning environment and reinforced the idea that organization is an essential skill for academic success, not just in school, but beyond the classroom as well.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue using these resources as we work on upcoming units and projects that require planning, responsibility, and time management. Your generosity has given them skills that support independence, accountability, and success. Thank you for giving our students the tools they need to thrive—we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1753813172546,"projectUrl":"project/structured-mailboxes-build-student-indep/9478719/","projectTitle":"Structured Mailboxes Build Student Independence, Organization, and Daily Routines","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":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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"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"}