{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Beacon School","outOfStateSupporters":22.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6958701,"projectId":9643529,"letterContent":"With the Best American anthologies, students have been able to complete reading circles in small groups. Through these reading circles, students have self-curated numerous stories to read and discuss and use as a springboard to create a DIY science fiction inspire 'zine (magazine). \r\n\r\nThrough this unit and project, students have become much more fluent in the intricacies of how science fiction elements and tropes shape narratives, fiction ones in particular. In their 'Zines students showcase analytical reviews of the Best American stories they read as well as feature original advertisements inspired by their respective anthologies and in tribute to the Magazine of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Analog Science Fiction and Fact and other sci-fi centric literary magazines. \r\n\r\nWhen the 'zines are completed, students will participate in a showcase where they get to read and interact with the 'zines created by their classmates. These Best American anthologies and 'zines have truly created a rich ground for exploring science fiction stories. In looking at the work of their peers during the showcase, students will create a newly curated list of stories ranging across the anthologies from 2017 - 2020 to read unique to the interests of each individual student.","fullyFundedDate":1756487807964,"projectUrl":"project/true-or-false-reading-the-best-american/9643529/","projectTitle":"True or False: Reading the Best American Science Fiction","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Benitez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6958701_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x302,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574798167891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6958701"},{"teacherId":3473318,"projectId":9685990,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous gift of our new iPad and Apple Pencil. Our class is absolutely thrilled, and the impact has already been remarkable.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are deep into our long-term science investigation studying the effects of soda and other drinks on chicken bones. The iPad has transformed the way students collect and analyze data. With the Apple Pencil, they can document both quantitative and qualitative observations with precision and speed. This has been a game changer—students can review their notes, graphs, and sketches instantly and adjust their techniques as they continue experimenting. It feels as though our \"scientific audience\" is right there with us as students compile and share findings in real time.\r\n\r\nThe ability to capture close-up video has also added a whole new dimension to their learning. Students can rewatch moments from the experiment, compare results over time, and refine their analysis with greater detail. This repeated review has deepened their understanding and elevated the quality of their scientific conclusions.\r\n\r\nAn unexpected but very welcome benefit has been using the iPad as an extended screen in our smaller classrooms. This has allowed every student to clearly view lectures, demonstrations, and models, creating a more inclusive learning environment.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided a new tool it has opened doors for deeper inquiry, richer discussion, and more confident learners. Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping our students grow as scientists.","fullyFundedDate":1758565994448,"projectUrl":"project/studying-the-world-through-steam/9685990/","projectTitle":"Studying the World through STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Teacher Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3473318"},{"teacherId":547364,"projectId":9455415,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom now has a wonderful collection of books that students can borrow and enjoy on their own time. The addition of so many new, high-interest young adult titles has truly captured their attention. Having access to books that reflect their lives, interests, and the world around them has helped students see reading as something exciting and personal, not just something they do for school assignments.\r\n\r\nStudents love scanning the shelves for the latest books their friends are talking about, and they've started recommending titles to one another. Some of my most reluctant readers have surprised me by checking out a book \"just to try it\" and coming back a week later asking for more from the same author. It's been amazing to watch their confidence and curiosity grow simply because they have books that feel relevant and engaging.\r\n\r\nYour support means the world to me and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1758898995363,"projectUrl":"project/best-books-for-bookworms/9455415/","projectTitle":"Best Books for Bookworms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McPherson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp547364_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452089650472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-elkind"},{"teacherId":547364,"projectId":9658521,"letterContent":"Since receiving our new color printer and laminator, my students have been able to engage with classroom materials in a much more dynamic and meaningful way. Having access to color printing allows me to create handouts that truly capture students' attention: from vividly illustrated poems to side-by-side analyses of artwork and text. \r\n\r\nThe laminator has been a wonderful addition as well. We've been able to preserve frequently used resources such as table numbers, station instructions, and reference materials. \r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity- it's made a visible and lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1758899074264,"projectUrl":"project/the-ultimate-dream-team-a-color-printer/9658521/","projectTitle":"The Ultimate Dream Team: a Color Printer and a Laminator","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McPherson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp547364_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452089650472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-elkind"},{"teacherId":269033,"projectId":9521258,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Photography is Alive 2.0! \r\n\r\nAs a direct result of your generosity, our students are now able to explore photography beyond traditional mediums. With new supplies, like film and processing materials, inks, papers, and a professional quality photo printer, students are now able to dig into alternative and hybrid processes that challenge their notion of what they consider to be photography. \r\n\r\nAdvanced students are combining digital manipulation with analog printing, in both traditional and UV light. Your support ensures that our program continues to access a college-level space which allows for creative risk-taking in an open laboratory. Intermediate and beginning photographers are using these materials for large-format professional printing so that they can present their work at the end of the year in a community-wide art show. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping us keep photography alive and well in our classroom, community and for the next generation of artists.","fullyFundedDate":1758847968721,"projectUrl":"project/photography-is-alive-20/9521258/","projectTitle":"Photography Is Alive 2.0","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flatow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp269033_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448419199093","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/flatowteachesphoto"},{"teacherId":269033,"projectId":9805877,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our photography classroom! \r\n\r\nAs a direct result of your contributions, my students have been able to create digital negatives and positives using the new transparency supplies, opening the door to exciting alternative processes like cyanotypes, anthotypes, and chlorophyll prints. \r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, students were thrilled to finally work with tools they had only read about. Watching their first prints develop under UV light filled the space with excitement and pride. They'll continue refining their techniques and preparing a series of alternative process prints for our end-of-semester exhibition. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has made this meaningful learning possible, inspiring students to think deeply and creatively about the art and science of photography. Thank you for helping them see the medium, and their own potential, in a whole new light.","fullyFundedDate":1760715798514,"projectUrl":"project/clear-alternatives/9805877/","projectTitle":"Clear Alternatives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flatow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp269033_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448419199093","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/flatowteachesphoto"},{"teacherId":6958701,"projectId":9201631,"letterContent":"Reading Naomi Alderman's The Power as part of the Beacon Book Club was an awesome experience. None of the students were familiar with The Power so it was a refreshing experience for the students to experience the book as a collective. Our discussions regarding the various plot points and characters were lively and passionate. We thoroughly enjoyed discussing how the various women characters reacted and evolved across the novel's length. \r\n\r\nBecause the book was read independently for an after school club, the stigma of it being \"a boring book my teacher assigned\" was not present and thus it created a more free flowing discussion. Even without requiring students to annotate the Power, we still came in with sticky notes peeking from in between the pages to highlight passages worth discussing.\r\n\r\nUpon returning from summer, various club members let me know they thought about the book a handful of times over the summer while reading, which I appreciate because I initially proposed the book as an option for the club to read. The Power was certainly a nice way for the club to culminate their school year. I also like to think that because we read the Power, the club for the current school year has doubled in size through word of mouth recruitment. \r\n\r\nThank you and cheers to independent reading!","fullyFundedDate":1744239282747,"projectUrl":"project/promoting-the-power-of-independent-readi/9201631/","projectTitle":"Promoting the power of independent reading with The Power (novel).","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Benitez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6958701_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x302,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574798167891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6958701"},{"teacherId":547364,"projectId":9568253,"letterContent":"When my students first noticed the pencil dispenser filled with bright, motivational pencils, there was an immediate buzz of excitement. They loved reading the encouraging messages printed on them, and many students commented that it felt special to start the year with a pencil that had a positive reminder. This small detail has had a big impact, creating a culture where students feel supported and motivated to do their best.\r\n\r\nThe large classroom calendar has also become an important tool. Students check it regularly to see upcoming deadlines and events, which helps them stay organized and take responsibility for their learning. It has made expectations clearer and given everyone a sense of structure from the very beginning of the year.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping us build strong routines that will carry us through the months ahead. The pencils continue to brighten students' days, and the calendar will guide us as we prepare for larger projects and assessments. Thank you for helping us start the school year with positivity, organization, and a sense of community.","fullyFundedDate":1757683067398,"projectUrl":"project/a-couple-of-key-items-for-a-great-school/9568253/","projectTitle":"A Couple of Key Items for a Great School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McPherson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp547364_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452089650472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-elkind"},{"teacherId":547364,"projectId":9568354,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new storage system, they were excited to discover how easy it is to find what they need. Before, it was sometimes confusing for them to catch up on handouts when they were absent, but now there is a clear, organized place for everything. Students immediately began checking the labeled drawers and folders, and it was rewarding to see how quickly they took ownership of the system.\r\n\r\nThis resource has already made a big difference in creating a smoother, calmer classroom environment. Students no longer have to interrupt lessons to ask for missing papers, and they know they can independently find the materials they need. This has helped foster responsibility and independence, while also giving us more time to focus on learning.\r\n\r\nAs the year continues, my students will use this storage system daily to stay organized with classwork, projects, and review materials. Having this structure in place allows them to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time engaging deeply with the content. Your support has truly helped us create a learning space where organization and independence set the foundation for success.","fullyFundedDate":1757683143452,"projectUrl":"project/an-organized-classroom-is-a-happy-place/9568354/","projectTitle":"An Organized Classroom Is a Happy Place to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McPherson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp547364_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452089650472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-elkind"},{"teacherId":547364,"projectId":9532145,"letterContent":"When my students walked into the classroom and saw the colorful new supplies and welcoming poster, their faces lit up. The bright paper and cardstock helped us kick off the year by creating name placards so everyone could get to know each other right away. This small activity helped build a sense of community and gave students a tangible way to feel that they belong here. The \"Everyone is Welcome\" poster has already become a classroom touchstone, reminding us all that our space is supportive and inclusive.\r\n\r\nThe looseleaf, pencils, and storage have also made a big difference. Students no longer feel embarrassed if they forget or cannot access supplies because they know they can grab what they need to fully participate in lessons. Having post-its available for annotating books has been especially helpful as students dig into their reading. It is wonderful to see them actively mark their thoughts and questions, which makes class discussions richer and more meaningful.\r\n\r\nThese resources are being used daily, and they have set a positive tone for the rest of the school year. Next, my students will be working on group projects that involve creating visual presentations, and the vibrant paper and cardstock will allow them to bring their ideas to life in engaging, creative ways. Thanks to your generosity, my students have the tools they need to collaborate, express themselves, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1757683202346,"projectUrl":"project/start-strong-back-to-school-basics/9532145/","projectTitle":"Start Strong: Back-to-School Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McPherson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp547364_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452089650472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-elkind"},{"teacherId":269033,"projectId":9238272,"letterContent":"Thanks for supporting this DonorsChoose project. Our students are now able to easily scan, print, and share their digital images, as well as printing digital negatives for hybrid darkroom use. The large-format scanner and extra printer ink have made a huge difference in our ability to batch scan and print specialty images.\r\n\r\nStudents have a much better sense of how to archive their digital files, and prepare work for public exhibition. This project inspired them to elevate their process. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746536191530,"projectUrl":"project/scan-print/9238272/","projectTitle":"Scan & Print","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flatow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp269033_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448419199093","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/flatowteachesphoto"},{"teacherId":3473318,"projectId":9685905,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous donation of classroom supplies (colored pencils, markers, and graph paper) which have made a real impact on our students' learning!\r\n\r\nRecently, our class used these materials during a unit on creating and interpreting graphs. Students were excited to use the new supplies to make their work more vibrant and organized. The colored pencils and markers helped them clearly label axes, distinguish data sets, and highlight trends—skills that have improved both their understanding and their confidence in presenting information visually.\r\n\r\nWe've reached a point where nearly all of our students can remember and apply the key components of a well constructed graph, from titles and labels to data accuracy and overall presentation. These skills have strengthened their ability to analyze and display data effectively, an essential part of their scientific and mathematical learning.\r\n\r\nWe are now using the materials to create graphs for real-world data projects, applying what they've learned to showcase their results in class presentations.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our students and helping make their learning more engaging, creative, and meaningful!","fullyFundedDate":1757423276252,"projectUrl":"project/observations-and-inferences/9685905/","projectTitle":"Observations and Inferences","teacherDisplayName":"Teacher Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3473318"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1232","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1373,"numTeachers":61,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":35,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"22.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.7,"schoolId":1232,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Beacon School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Beacon School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/beacon-high-school/1232"}