ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cardenas Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":960294,"projectId":9853933,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity! I wanted to share a quick update on the massive impact your support has had on our classroom. The simple joy of a \"reward\" has completely transformed our daily energy.\r\n\r\nThe Magic of \"Filling Buckets\"\r\nWe are using your donations to fuel our Positive Behavior Support system. The students each have a \"bucket,\" and every time they are \"caught\" being kind, working through a difficult math problem, or helping a peer, they earn a token to fill it.\r\n\r\nOnce that bucket is full, they get to choose a reward from the new supplies. It's a simple system, but the psychological shift has been profound.\r\n\r\nA Moment to Remember\r\nThe day the boxes arrived was like a second birthday for the whole class. When I opened the first container of fidgets, cars, and colorful bracelets, a literal cheer went up.\r\n\r\nOne student, who usually struggles to stay focused during independent reading, worked silently for 20 straight minutes. When he finished, he looked at me with the biggest smile and said, \"Did I earn a bucket-filler for my car today?\" Seeing that intrinsic motivation turn into a tangible sense of pride was priceless.\r\n\r\nThe Impact on Our Classroom\r\nSince introducing these resources, we have seen a noticeable shift in our environment:\r\n\r\nIncreased Engagement: Students are more eager to participate in lessons, hoping to show off their hard work.\r\n\r\nKinder Connections: \"Caught being kind\" moments have doubled. Students are actively looking for ways to support one another.\r\n\r\nFocus & Regulation: The fidgets and pencil toppers aren't just toys; they are helping my tactile learners stay grounded and focused during long lessons.\r\n\r\nBehavioral Success: We've seen a significant decrease in minor behavioral disruptions because the students are so invested in reaching their next goal.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next?\r\nOur next big step is the \"Kindness Marathon.\" Now that the students are motivated by the rewards, we are transitioning into a project where they can \"pool\" their bucket-fillers to earn a reward for the entire class. This will teach them about teamwork and collective responsibility—showing them that while individual hard work is great, supporting the whole group is even better!\r\n\r\nThank you for being the \"bucket-fillers\" for our classroom. You've given these kids more than just bubbles and bracelets; you've given them a reason to strive for their best every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1765205125480,"projectUrl":"project/win-win-wonders/9853933/","projectTitle":"Win-Win Wonders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp960294_orig.jpg?crop=376,376,x260,y745&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746420759452","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/960294"},{"teacherId":9798106,"projectId":9907469,"letterContent":"The beanbag chairs have arrived and were an instant hit. Whether they are being used for a quick sensory break or as a special seat for hard workers, they provide the comfort and support my students need to feel successful. Your investment in our classroom shows my students that there are people out there rooting for them. \r\nI cannot thank you enough for providing these beanbag chairs for our sensory space. For many of my students, the classroom can sometimes feel overwhelming. These chairs provide a 'soft landing' where they can go to decompress, practice deep breathing, and regain their focus. Having a dedicated, comfortable spot to regulate their emotions has made our entire classroom more peaceful and productive. You have truly made a difference in their well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1769177191348,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-space-bring-cozy-beanbag-chairs/9907469/","projectTitle":"Sensory Space: Bring Cozy Beanbag Chairs to Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachele","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9798106_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735601395931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9798106"},{"teacherId":115200,"projectId":9828521,"letterContent":"The challenge we face each year teaching 3rd grade is there is a wide range of proficiency levels. Some students are ready for advanced problem-solving, while others need foundational practice to grasp core concepts like multiplication and fractions. Traditional, whole-group instruction often leaves the high-achieving students unchallenged and the struggling students feeling rushed and left behind. This \"one-size-fits-all\" approach hinders true mastery and growth.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation helped solve this problem by directly funding the materials necessary to create small-group, differentiated math centers. The high-interest task cards and games focus on specific skills (e.g., telling time, counting money, multiplication facts) at varying complexity levels.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has not just provided materials; it has fundamentally changed the way math is taught and learned in our classroom. Students are no longer passively receiving instruction. They are actively engaging with tasks tailored to their precise learning level. Those needing remediation receive intensive, teacher-led support, while those ready for extension can tackle challenging application problems, leading to faster, more meaningful academic growth for all.\r\n\r\nMath centers turn learning into an interactive, collaborative experience. Students are excited to work with the hands-on materials and cooperative games. This increased engagement has reduced math anxiety, boosted self-confidence, and fostered a positive, growth-oriented mindset.\r\n\r\nThe center format allows me to work with a small group of 3-5 students each day. This small-group setting allows for immediate, personalized feedback and deep assessment, ensuring I can identify and address misconceptions before they become permanent learning gaps.\r\n\r\nThank you for your generous donation. Our students are not just learning math—they are doing math. They are collaborating, problem-solving, and truly understanding the 'why' behind the numbers. These materials will be a cornerstone of the way I teach math for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1763581625119,"projectUrl":"project/differentiated-math-centers-for-3rd-grad/9828521/","projectTitle":"Differentiated Math Centers for 3rd Grade Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teisinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/115200"},{"teacherId":5342404,"projectId":9576373,"letterContent":"We have had an amazing start to this school year and it is so hard to believe how quickly time has passed! This project has provided us with so many basic essentials we needed to get off to a strong start. We have been able to use the materials like command hooks, paper tray holders, and shelving to improve our efficiency with displaying, organizing, and storing materials. We have been using the different holiday themed window clings to brighten up our learning space to look fun, warm, and inviting. My students have been absolutely LOVING the prizes I have been able to add to our classroom treasure box. This has been a game changer when it comes to their motivation to complete their work, stay on track, follow directions and rules, and work together as a class to meet our goals. Thank you so much for all of your incredible help through this project and please know the impact it has made is immeasurable!","fullyFundedDate":1758832796968,"projectUrl":"project/new-school-year-loadingready-set-go/9576373/","projectTitle":"New School Year Loading...READY, Set, Go!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calzada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5342404_orig.png?crop=1042,1042,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641497430709","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinderkids102"},{"teacherId":9786039,"projectId":9428491,"letterContent":"My class and I would like to extend a big thank you for donating math manipulatives to our classroom. The moment my students saw their math shelf transformed with bright, colorful new materials, they were overjoyed. They were excited to see their math toolbox expand as we began learning new concepts together.\r\n\r\nBefore we even officially introduced the manipulatives into our math lessons, students eagerly explored them during free play. They naturally began sorting and classifying—grouping yellow vehicles and separating big bears from small bears. Their imaginations also came to life as the fruit manipulatives made their way into our dramatic play kitchen, allowing students to connect math learning with real-world experiences.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest impacts these tools have had in our classroom became especially clear during our addition and subtraction units. As we introduced one-to-one counting, students were able to physically hold and move objects, helping them visually see what counting truly means. This hands-on practice strengthened their understanding and confidence, which then carried over into addition and subtraction. Using ten frames with the manipulatives allowed students to clearly see how numbers are combined and taken apart, deepening their conceptual understanding.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue to incorporate these manipulatives into our daily math lessons as we explore more complex concepts and strengthen foundational skills. Your generosity has provided meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that will benefit my current and future students.","fullyFundedDate":1758814447808,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-tools-for-big-thinkers/9428491/","projectTitle":"Tiny Tools for Big Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786039_orig.jpg?crop=1054,1054,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750905894806","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786039"},{"teacherId":26745,"projectId":9238067,"letterContent":"The students loved planting the seeds. Each student helped to fill the pots with soil and planted a few seeds, sadly the seeds did not grow. We read books about planting, and learned it was probably too cold for them to sprout by the air conditioning unit. In the spring they will plant again and place the pots in a different area to sprout. \r\n\r\nThe books, pots, soil and seeds are perfect for the class. The students loved learning about plant parts and growing the plants. They were sad that they did not grow, but excited to try again later in the year. Thank you so much for your generous donation.","fullyFundedDate":1746575673556,"projectUrl":"project/planting-seeds/9238067/","projectTitle":"Planting Seeds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steele","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp26745_orig.png?crop=271,271,x51,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714505437961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/26745"},{"teacherId":9281283,"projectId":9750604,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support, our classroom has become an interactive place for my beginning readers. These new magnetic letter tiles have given them an exciting, hands-on way to explore letters, sounds, and words.\r\n The first time my students saw the tiles, their faces lit up. Students love using the letter tiles to practice their sight words and spelling words. I have been using the tiles during small group reading instruction to deepen students understandings of letter sounds. In small groups, students will build and manipulate words on their whiteboards, practice spelling patterns, and practice changing beginning, middle, and ending sounds. The tiles keep them engaged, confident, and eager to participate. \r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students tools that make learning active, meaningful, and fun. Your support is helping them grow into confident, capable readers and they feel proud every time they build a new word .","fullyFundedDate":1758824674307,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-minds-building-reading-skills/9750604/","projectTitle":"Magnetic Minds: Building Reading Skills with Letter Tiles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sierra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9281283_orig.jpg?crop=450,450,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695943120447","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9281283"},{"teacherId":26745,"projectId":9237824,"letterContent":"The students loved glow day! They were so excited for the games and activities. Bowling was the class favorite. Counting and tallying how many pins they knocked over was great counting practice. They counted how many parts they used in their Marble run creations, and solved the problem when the marble did not go where they wanted it to go. Drawing was also popular with the highlighters. They were putting beginning sounds to their illustrations. Many times I heard, \" This is the best day ever,\" or, \"School is fun!\" Thank you for your generous donation.","fullyFundedDate":1747528229137,"projectUrl":"project/we-will-glow-up-to-first-grade/9237824/","projectTitle":"We Will Glow Up to First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steele","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp26745_orig.png?crop=271,271,x51,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714505437961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/26745"},{"teacherId":3875083,"projectId":9558545,"letterContent":"Thank you enormously for your generous donation. As a first-grade teacher, having a print-rich environment is incredibility important. Being able to have a printer in the classroom; especially one that prints in color makes a huge difference. It helps create a more inviting, vivid space for students and enhances their learning experience. Most importantly, it allows me to provide classwork in color so students can learn the best of their ability. \r\n\r\nColorful materials also help students better understand and retain information. When charts, vocabulary cards and reading passages are printed in color, students are more engaged and can more easily notice important details. Overall, your donation directly supports stronger comprehension, deeper focus, and more joyful learning experiences for every student in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755744773498,"projectUrl":"project/printing-our-path-to-success-in-1st-grad/9558545/","projectTitle":"Printing Our Path to Success in 1st Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3875083_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1552970100049","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3875083"},{"teacherId":2456859,"projectId":9280360,"letterContent":"Thank you for purchasing our digital citizenship books! Thanks to your kindness, my 2nd and 3rd grade students now have access to engaging, age-appropriate digital citizenship books. These books are already making a meaningful impact. Every Friday we read one of these books after completing our digital citizenship lesson from Common Sense Media. These books help spark great conversations about responsible technology use, digital kindness, and online safety. We've had thoughtful conversations about how to treat others with respect, how to recognize trustworthy information, and why it's important to balance screen time with offline activities. Perhaps the most powerful part of this project is how it bridges school and home. Students are excited to take the books home and share what they're learning with their families. Hopefully these books are a great starting point for parents to continue conversations about managing technology in our everyday lives. Your support is helping us grow smart, kind, and responsible digital citizens. Thank you for investing in these young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1753382795914,"projectUrl":"project/tech-time-smart-minds-books-for-being/9280360/","projectTitle":"Tech Time, Smart Minds: Books for Being Awesome Online","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murtaugh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2456859_orig.jpg?crop=1320,1320,x987,y1038&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669062803505","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2456859"},{"teacherId":3046834,"projectId":9588030,"letterContent":"My third-grade students are excited to participate in our new Classroom Treasure Chest initiative, which rewards positive behavior and academic achievement. Through generous support from our donors, we've been able to stock the treasure chest with fun, meaningful prizes that motivate students to do their best each day. When students show kindness, teamwork, responsibility, or reach academic goals, they earn tokens that can be traded for items from the treasure chest. This system not only encourages a positive classroom environment but also helps students connect effort and achievement with real rewards, fostering pride, motivation, and a love for learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my third graders first saw the new classroom treasure chest and the prizes inside, their faces lit up with pure excitement and curiosity. They gathered around eagerly, whispering guesses about what might be hidden inside and how they could earn a chance to choose a reward. I explained that the treasure chest was made possible through generous donors who wanted to celebrate their good behavior, kindness, and academic growth. The students were thrilled and motivated, immediately talking about ways they could earn token by helping others, staying on task, and doing their best work. The classroom buzzed with positive energy and renewed enthusiasm for learning and teamwork. Thank you again for your generous donation!","fullyFundedDate":1760733333603,"projectUrl":"project/treasure-island/9588030/","projectTitle":"Treasure Island","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3046834_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652822176480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3046834"},{"teacherId":115200,"projectId":9307087,"letterContent":"We are absolutely thrilled and profoundly grateful for your support in funding our \"Here Chickee Chickee\" project! Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom will soon be home to a fascinating, hands-on science lesson unlike any other: a professional-grade incubator and brooder box to raise chicks in the spring.\r\nYour donation is not just funding equipment; it's igniting curiosity, fostering responsibility, and bringing the full, cyclical wonder of life science directly into our students' hands. This project will transform abstract biology concepts into a tangible, memorable experience.\r\n\r\nThe incubator will allow our students to observe the entire embryonic development process, witnessing the miracle of life day by day—a truly unforgettable experience that aligns perfectly with our life science curriculum. Once hatched, the brooder box will provide a safe, warm environment where students will be responsible for caring for the chicks, learning about animal care, nutrition, and growth.\r\n\r\nThis project will provide powerful, real-world learning across multiple subjects:\r\n\r\nScience: Students will learn about embryology, life cycles, genetics, and ecology through direct observation and data collection.\r\n\r\nMath: They will practice measuring, tracking temperatures, calculating growth rates, and graphing data.\r\n\r\nLiteracy: Students will keep observation journals detailing the chicks' development, improving their descriptive writing and scientific note-taking skills.\r\n\r\nSocial-Emotional: Most importantly, they will learn empathy, patience, and the profound responsibility of caring for a living creature.\r\n\r\nThank you, again, for making this incredible learning experience possible. You've given our students a memory and a lesson that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1755694835846,"projectUrl":"project/here-chickee-chickee/9307087/","projectTitle":"Here Chickee Chickee!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teisinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/115200"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5844","usesÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":763,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":95,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"26.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.8,"schoolId":5844,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cardenas Elementary School on @ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½:","schoolName":"Cardenas Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/cardenas-school/5844"}