{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Prairie North Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":56.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10276611,"projectId":10205871,"letterContent":"Our special education classroom is a place where students in grades 4–6 come each day to learn, grow, and build confidence. Because I teach many of the same students for several years, I have had the joy of watching reluctant readers become excited, motivated readers. Once that love of reading begins, I want to do everything I can to keep it alive.\r\n\r\nThe impact of having an engaging classroom library has been incredibly meaningful. Students who once avoided reading are now more willing to pick up a book, explore a new topic, and read independently. I have watched students become excited when they find a character, series, or subject that interests them. Books have become a way for students to experience success, build confidence, and discover that reading can be something they genuinely enjoy—not just another school assignment.\r\n\r\nMany of the books in our classroom library have been read again and again. While it is wonderful to see students return to favorite stories, our well-loved books are showing their age and students are ready for something new. When students have access to fresh, high-interest choices, they are more likely to stay engaged and develop the stamina needed to become stronger readers.\r\n\r\nOur classroom also shares space with grades 1–3 special education students, so we need books that can reach a wide range of ages, interests, and reading levels. New graphic novels, adventure stories, humor, nonfiction, and high-interest series would give students more opportunities to find books that match their interests and abilities. These choices are especially important for students who may struggle with traditional grade-level texts but can become highly engaged when they find a book that feels accessible and exciting.\r\n\r\nOur school library is small and outdated, which means classroom libraries play a huge role in helping students access books they truly want to read. Many of our students also do not live close to a public library, making school one of the only places where they can regularly discover new books.\r\n\r\nWith your support, the impact will reach far beyond adding books to a shelf. These materials will give students more opportunities to practice reading, develop independence, increase confidence, and experience the joy of getting lost in a good story. Most importantly, they will help students continue to see themselves as capable readers.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us provide the books and learning materials that can turn reluctant readers into lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1777906140369,"projectUrl":"project/keep-the-pages-turning-in-our-classroom/10205871/","projectTitle":"Keep the Pages Turning in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gearing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276611_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y293&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758831147863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276611"},{"teacherId":7523946,"projectId":9987077,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support in funding our project, \"Leveling Up Hands-On Math!\"\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom now has access to hands-on learning tools that make math concepts engaging, accessible, and fun. Math can sometimes feel abstract or intimidating for students, but having physical manipulatives and interactive resources allows them to visualize problems, explore different strategies, and build a deeper understanding.\r\n\r\nSeeing the students' excitement when using these new materials is incredible. They are not just learning math—they are actively collaborating, problem-solving, and truly \"leveling up\" their skills and confidence every single day. The games we received were a hit and we have had a great experience learning through play and having great conversations about math.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their education. Your support makes a world of difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1773608511739,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-hands-on-math/9987077/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up: Hands-On Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Berg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7523946_orig.jpg?crop=1932,1932,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760635628627","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7523946"},{"teacherId":10246578,"projectId":10262816,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Sniffles and Stories\" project! Your generosity has made it possible to provide my students with exciting new chapter books while also making sure our classroom stays comfortable and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nThe books will give our students the chance to get lost in new adventures, discover characters they love, and build their confidence and love of reading. From the hilarious adventures of Dog Man to the exciting worlds of Warriors, Wings of Fire, and I Survived, these books are going to be passed from student to student and enjoyed throughout the school year. And, of course, the tissues will be put to very good use during all those seasonal sniffles!\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting both the academic and everyday needs of my students. Your generosity helps create a classroom where kids can feel comfortable, find books they are excited to read, and simply enjoy being readers. We are so grateful for your kindness and for investing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1778696809138,"projectUrl":"project/sniffles-and-stories/10262816/","projectTitle":"Sniffles and Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswilson-wp"},{"teacherId":10246578,"projectId":10169179,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Scholastic Gold Library! Your generosity has helped fill our classroom with exciting, engaging books that give my 4th grade(now 5th) students more opportunities to discover the joy of reading. Having a variety of high-interest books allows students to choose stories that match their interests, explore new genres, build their reading skills, and grow their confidence as readers. Your donation is helping create more \"just one more chapter\" moments and showing students that reading can be something they genuinely enjoy. These books will be loved, shared, and read again and again, making an impact on our classroom for years to come. Thank you for helping my students build a lifelong love of reading!","fullyFundedDate":1774832591812,"projectUrl":"project/scholastic-gold-library-building/10169179/","projectTitle":"Scholastic Gold Library Building","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswilson-wp"},{"teacherId":10276611,"projectId":9987444,"letterContent":"# Project Impact\r\n\r\nThe impact of this project has been evident in my students' growth, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning math. Instead of approaching math practice with frustration or reluctance, students now eagerly participate in small-group games and ask to play them again during intervention and math centers. The hands-on, game-based format has transformed repetitive skill practice into an engaging learning experience where students feel successful.\r\n\r\nAs students have used these games consistently, they have shown noticeable improvements in mental math, multiplication fact fluency, place value understanding, and overall number sense. They are solving problems more quickly, relying less on teacher prompts, and demonstrating greater confidence when explaining their mathematical thinking. Students who once hesitated to participate are now volunteering answers, encouraging their peers, and celebrating their own progress.\r\n\r\nThe games have also fostered collaboration, perseverance, and positive attitudes toward math. Because the activities provide immediate feedback and repeated practice in a low-pressure environment, students are willing to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of failure. This has been especially meaningful for my students with disabilities, who often struggle with math confidence.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the skills practiced through these durable, reusable games have transferred to classroom assignments, progress monitoring, and assessments. Seeing their own improvement has motivated students to continue working hard and has helped them develop a more positive mindset about their ability to succeed in mathematics. Thank you for making this opportunity possible and for helping my students experience the joy and confidence that come with meaningful academic growth.","fullyFundedDate":1776475687939,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-click-hands-on-games-for-sp/9987444/","projectTitle":"Making Math Click: Hands-On Games for Special Education Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gearing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276611_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y293&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758831147863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276611"},{"teacherId":10276611,"projectId":10206311,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our students and staff, thank you for your generous support of our special education classroom project. Your kindness has made a meaningful impact on our students' daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe soft rugs have transformed our classroom into a warm and welcoming environment. Students now have comfortable spaces where they can read, participate in small-group instruction, or take a quiet break when they are feeling overwhelmed. These calming areas have helped students practice self-regulation, reduce stress, and return to learning with greater focus and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe sensory ooze timer has become an invaluable tool for helping students manage emotions and transitions. Many of our students benefit from having a visual reminder of the passage of time, and the soothing movement of the timer helps them calm their bodies while preparing to rejoin classroom activities. We have seen students become more independent in using healthy coping strategies and transitioning back to learning.\r\n\r\nThe carpet sweeper has also been a wonderful addition to our classroom. Our students enjoy taking responsibility for keeping their calming spaces clean and organized. This simple task has provided opportunities to build independence, responsibility, teamwork, and pride in caring for their shared learning environment.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these resources, we have noticed students using calming strategies more independently, remaining engaged in learning for longer periods, and feeling more comfortable in our classroom. Creating a peaceful, supportive space has positively impacted both their academic progress and their social-emotional growth.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided much more than classroom supplies—you have helped create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. Every day, our students benefit from your kindness, and we are incredibly grateful for your investment in their education.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us create a classroom where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1777048065823,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-spaces-for-regulation-and-succes/10206311/","projectTitle":"Sensory Spaces for Regulation and Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gearing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276611_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y293&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758831147863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276611"},{"teacherId":10276611,"projectId":9981452,"letterContent":"When our new reading games arrived, we were so excited to start using them. Learning doesn't always come easily for us, so having games that make reading practice fun has made a big difference. Instead of feeling nervous about making mistakes, we feel excited to learn and challenge ourselves.\r\n\r\nThe games help us practice important skills like finding the main idea, learning new vocabulary, decoding words, and using correct grammar and punctuation. Working together in small groups lets us encourage one another, celebrate our successes, and keep trying when something is difficult.\r\n\r\nThese activities make reading feel less overwhelming because we can practice one skill at a time. Every time we play, we become more confident and notice that reading is getting easier. We are proud of the progress we are making and are more willing to participate during reading lessons.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in us and providing these amazing learning games. Your kindness has given us tools that help us grow as readers, build confidence, and enjoy learning. We are grateful for your support and for helping us discover that we can be successful readers.","fullyFundedDate":1777906140724,"projectUrl":"project/targeted-reading-games-for-special-educa/9981452/","projectTitle":"Targeted Reading Games for Special Education Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gearing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276611_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y293&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758831147863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276611"},{"teacherId":10276611,"projectId":10140654,"letterContent":"When our new books arrived, our classroom was filled with excitement. We couldn't wait to open the boxes and see all the different stories and nonfiction books waiting for us. There was something for everyone, from funny books like Elephant and Piggie to exciting adventures like The Wild Robot and fascinating books about volcanoes, snakes, space, animals, and history.\r\n\r\nMany of us have worked hard to become stronger readers. Sometimes reading can feel challenging, but these new books make us want to keep trying because they are interesting and at just the right level. It feels great to find books we can enjoy and understand while still learning new things.\r\n\r\nNow we look forward to reading every day. We enjoy sharing books with our classmates, talking about what we've learned, and discovering new favorite authors and topics. These books have helped us feel more confident, curious, and successful as readers.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to grow. Your generosity has filled our classroom with smiles, excitement, and a love of reading that will stay with us for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1774288659049,"projectUrl":"project/accessible-nonfiction-for-exceptional-le/10140654/","projectTitle":"Accessible Nonfiction for Exceptional Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gearing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276611_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y293&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758831147863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276611"},{"teacherId":10321295,"projectId":10026999,"letterContent":"I can't express how happy it makes me to see students getting snacks from our new collection. We were down to our last package of yogurt covered raisins from our first donors choose and we had hungry kids. The students saw the packages get delivered and were so excited. They were asking if they were going into the snack cabinet. I got to tell them that of course it is because of the donor's choose community. We are trying to continue learning for the rest of the school year. This will keep us full and alert for the last weeks of school. \r\nThank you again for helping out our small school. Times are getting tough but this community is tougher! Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1776957967164,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-smiles-part-2/10026999/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Smiles: Part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spriet","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10321295"},{"teacherId":10246578,"projectId":10022399,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of seeds, soil, and plant pots to our classroom. Because of your support, my students are able to get hands-on experience with planting and caring for their own plants. This has made learning come alive in a meaningful and exciting way.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is helping my students learn responsibility, patience, and a deeper appreciation for nature. They are so excited to watch their plants grow and take pride in something they are caring for themselves. We are truly grateful for your support and for helping our classroom grow in such a special way. 🌱💚","fullyFundedDate":1774881002008,"projectUrl":"project/grow-with-gardening/10022399/","projectTitle":"Grow With Gardening","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswilson-wp"},{"teacherId":9053906,"projectId":9981459,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your help bringing the opportunity to collaborate cohesively into our math classrooms! Students have been able to work together while learning new math concepts. It has made a world of difference in student understanding when asked to explain their processes as well. Engagement during lessons is at an all time high, and they have been so excited to come to class every day! I get asked almost every day if we are going to do the 'new math' with our whiteboards. \r\nIt has also allowed students to be able to push more with their thinking by being able to walk around the room and give feedback. This has helped their learning so much more by being able to discuss our different learning processes. Thank you once again for your help!","fullyFundedDate":1771029287519,"projectUrl":"project/collaborative-whiteboards/9981459/","projectTitle":"Collaborative Whiteboards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9053906_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767645579624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9053906"},{"teacherId":7325716,"projectId":9913659,"letterContent":"MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a digital language that, when connected with their Chromebooks, allows students to experiment with various musical sounds and ideas. Using websites like Chrome Music Lab and Dot Piano, students play with sound, explore rhythms, and grow familiar with the piano keyboard. They can invite classmates to join them to play together and record their musical ideas to share with friends and family. \r\n\r\nLast year, students in third through sixth grade began creating their own simple musical motifs representing moods and experiences, which they recorded and shared with each other using Google Song Maker. With the addition of more keyboards, students in both of our elementary schools will have more time to learn the basics of the piano keyboard and to translate these skills into more complex and creative musical ideas.\r\n\r\nYour support encourages our students to grow their skills and share their ideas, building their confidence and joy as music makers.","fullyFundedDate":1776379369229,"projectUrl":"project/creative-currents-young-cyclones-turn-i/9913659/","projectTitle":"Creative Currents: Young Cyclones Turn Imagination into Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7325716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758837109057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7325716"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30491","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":138,"numTeachers":9,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":94,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":43.5,"schoolId":30491,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Prairie North Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Prairie North Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/west-prairie-community-school-district-103/west-prairie-north-elementary-school/30491"}