{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Intermediate School 61 Leonardo Da Vinci","outOfStateSupporters":44.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9378213,"projectId":8968031,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project, \"Wow, You Made That?\" Your generosity has helped us expand our library makerspace and provide students with exciting opportunities to explore, build, and create. Thanks to your support, our students have been using LEGO sets, magnetic tiles, building blocks, and jewelry-making supplies to bring their imaginations to life. These materials have quickly become some of the most popular activities in our library, giving students opportunities to express their creativity, collaborate with friends, and develop valuable problem-solving and engineering skills through hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nIt has been wonderful to watch students take pride in their creations, whether they are building elaborate structures, designing something new, or making friendship bracelets to share with friends. Our library has become a space where students can explore their interests, try new things, and experience the joy of creating something with their own hands. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our students' daily experiences and has helped us continue building a library that goes far beyond books. A special thank you to Con Edison for helping make this project possible! We are incredibly grateful for your support and for the creativity, collaboration, and joy you have brought to our students.","fullyFundedDate":1732791717262,"projectUrl":"project/wow-you-made-that/8968031/","projectTitle":"Wow, You Made That?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donovan-Avlonitis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9378213_orig.jpg?crop=1397,1397,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700715009937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shelfiepic"},{"teacherId":9378213,"projectId":8912341,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project, \"Can We Get This Book?\" Your generosity means so much to me and to the students. Because of your kindness, our library was able to add books that students have specifically requested in our book request bin. These are titles they are genuinely excited to read and share with one another. Having access to these high-interest books helps students feel seen, heard, and valued\r\n\r\nMy students come to the library full of curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm, and they love when the books they want are in the library ready for their check out. Thanks to you, they will have more opportunities to discover stories they connect with, build stronger reading habits, and deepen their love of reading. These new books help us continue growing a student-centered library collection that inspires joy, belonging, and literacy for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my students and in our school library. Your support is helping create a space where young people can explore, imagine, and thrive through reading. We are so grateful for your generosity and for believing in our readers.","fullyFundedDate":1734564624566,"projectUrl":"project/can-we-get-this-book/8912341/","projectTitle":"Can We Get This Book?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donovan-Avlonitis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9378213_orig.jpg?crop=1397,1397,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700715009937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shelfiepic"},{"teacherId":10511485,"projectId":10290129,"letterContent":"In our esports club, technology is a tool for active creation rather than passive screen time. Our students use Minecraft Education as a digital canvas to model sustainable Queens neighborhoods and write Python code to execute complex urban designs. The gaming mice you donated are essential for this work—they provide the fluid precision required to navigate 3D environments smoothly, line up architectural blocks accurately, and write code without the friction and mis clicks of basic trackpads.\r\n\r\nOur students were beyond excited to unbox professional-grade gear! The high-sensitivity sensors and ergonomic design make their 30-minute practice \"build-offs\" feel like a legitimate, professional arena. For our middle schoolers, holding real gaming equipment sent a powerful message: their passion for building and coding is valued, respected, and taken seriously.\r\n\r\nThe new mice have especially empowered our hands-on learners and students who are sometimes quiet in standard academic settings. One student who previously struggled with precise building tasks was able to take the lead on a complex coding sequence once they had a responsive mouse. The reliable hardware eliminated their frustration, boosting their confidence to step up as a key strategist and guide their teammates through high-stakes timed trials.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our Queens club the exact tools we need to build, code, and compete at our best!","fullyFundedDate":1782510691041,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-students-build-the-future-prec/10290129/","projectTitle":"Help Our Students Build the Future: Precision Tools for Esports","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Buffolino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10511485"},{"teacherId":234628,"projectId":10387653,"letterContent":"Our classroom is officially powered up and ready to glow! Thanks to your incredible generosity, our lithium coin batteries, LED diode lights, and circuit supplies have arrived, and we are one step closer to bringing some bright ideas to life! My students will soon be making exciting connections as they use copper tape to design and build their very own circuits. Additionally, as \"gross\" and \"cool\" as slime is, we appreciate the individual slime containers so that each student will receive their own \"chemical compound\".\r\nThe last donated items were the magnetic file holders. They are colorful and brighten up the whiteboard. They are used daily for students who were absent and missed work. It's helpful to have an organized place where students can find what they need.\r\nYour kindness has given our classroom a positive charge and opened the door to hands-on learning, creativity, and discovery. Thank you for being the spark that makes it all possible! \r\nYou are WATT makes our classroom shine!","fullyFundedDate":1785252107848,"projectUrl":"project/light-up-learning-with-circuits/10387653/","projectTitle":"Light Up Learning With Circuits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp234628_orig.jpg?crop=445,445,x65,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683157752134","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-perris"},{"teacherId":234628,"projectId":10388033,"letterContent":"Thank you immensely for these stackable stools. These colorful stools were immediately put to good use. My students were excited to sit on them. My co-teacher and I have used the stools to select students for smaller group instruction near our desks, ask students to join another table area, and privately conference with students in another area of the classroom. These stools are used daily and provide helpful seating arrangements when we are performing lab activities. \r\nThank you for supporting our science classroom. You've given our future scientists a seat on the road to discovery!","fullyFundedDate":1787177213322,"projectUrl":"project/take-a-seat-for-science/10388033/","projectTitle":"Take a Seat for Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp234628_orig.jpg?crop=445,445,x65,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683157752134","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-perris"},{"teacherId":9369519,"projectId":10269063,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your donation of notebooks, highlighters, pencil cases, and reward stickers has made a meaningful difference for my students.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was immediate when the supplies arrived. Students were thrilled to receive materials of their own and eagerly organized their new notebooks and pencil cases. Having these supplies readily available has helped students come to class prepared, stay organized, and feel proud of their learning.\r\n\r\nEvery day, students use their notebooks to record notes, respond to writing prompts, and reflect on their learning. The highlighters have become valuable tools during reading and social studies activities, helping students identify important information and strengthen their comprehension skills. The reward stickers have also been a huge motivator, encouraging students to stay focused, work hard, and celebrate their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these resources will support students during writing assignments, reading activities, note-taking, and collaborative projects. More importantly, they are helping create a positive classroom environment where students feel equipped, confident, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping provide the tools they need to succeed. Your kindness and generosity are appreciated more than words can express.","fullyFundedDate":1783343261456,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-essential-supplies-for-s/10269063/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn: Essential Supplies for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9369519"},{"teacherId":10440653,"projectId":10116129,"letterContent":"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation, which has supported not only my Engineering Club students but also our entire 6th grade cohort. In 6th grade science, we focus on understanding the physical sciences, and your contribution has significantly deepened my students' knowledge of the physical world. I firmly believe that middle school students learn best through tactile, hands on experiences, and your generosity made those meaningful learning opportunities possible.\r\n\r\nWhat students learned in the classroom, we expanded upon in Engineering Club by applying scientific concepts to real problems and designing creative solutions. Just as importantly, students learned how to grow from failure. When a design didn't work, they practiced evaluating what went wrong, making adjustments, and trying again, building resilience and confidence rather than giving up.\r\n\r\nStudents were especially excited about the egg drop challenge, where they designed protective containers while learning about gravity, forces, and kinetic and potential energy. During our energy unit, they explored solar power and loved designing and racing their solar‑powered bugs. In our Newtonian physics unit, the K'Nex roller coaster helped them visualize how potential and kinetic energy change throughout a ride. The marble run set was another favorite, allowing students to experiment with angles, slope, friction, and speed. We will be using it again at our upcoming STEM Night, where student volunteers will teach these concepts in a friendly competition to see who can design the slowest marble track without stopping.\r\n\r\nThese materials have strengthened my students' understanding of the engineering design process — applying scientific concepts, identifying problems, designing solutions, testing prototypes, and revising their work. Your donation has helped lay a strong foundation for their future STEM learning, and for that, I am deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nLastly, I want to apologize for the lateness of my response. Over the past few months, I have been undergoing cancer treatment, which has slowed me down considerably. Even so, I have spent every available moment with my students, and several of last year's students shared that they attended STEM enrichment programs across New York City this summer. I have no doubt that your gift helped spark their interest in pursuing STEM opportunities and potential future careers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for the meaningful impact you have had on my students' learning and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1777403402657,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-the-middle-school-engineering-cl/10116129/","projectTitle":"STEM in the Middle School Engineering Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lamberti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10440653"},{"teacherId":478274,"projectId":10090418,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students had snacks available during state testing. The snacks gave them an opportunity to satisfy their hunger and take a brief break during a demanding day. Having this simple support helped create a more comfortable testing environment where students could focus on showing what they had learned. .\r\n\r\nWhen students saw the snacks, they were excited to have something to enjoy during their testing break. This thoughtful gesture helped them feel cared for and supported. It was a reminder that their needs matter, especially during moments when they may feel nervous or under pressure.\r\n\r\nYour donation supported more than a testing day-it helped us care for our students as learners and as people. Thank you for providing a little comfort and encouragement when they needed it. We appreciate your investment in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1772550422165,"projectUrl":"project/smart-snacks-for-middle-school-minds/10090418/","projectTitle":"Smart Snacks for Middle School Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carboni","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-carboni"},{"teacherId":9041714,"projectId":10160887,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom snack project! Your generosity has made a meaningful difference for my students every day.\r\n The snacks have become an important resource in our classroom. Many students come to school hungry or need a little extra nourishment to stay focused throughout the day. Having healthy snacks readily available allows students to concentrate on their lessons, participate actively in classroom discussions, and remain engaged during our reading activities. One memorable moment was during a small-group reading lesson when several students were able to enjoy a snack before beginning their work. With their immediate needs met, they were more focused, confident, and eager to participate.\r\n When the students first saw the snack supplies arrive, they were incredibly excited and grateful. As we move forward, the snacks will continue to play an important role in supporting our classroom community.\r\n Thank you again for your kindness and investment in our students. Your support has helped create a classroom where students feel cared for, valued, and prepared to succeed. We are truly grateful for your generosity! ❤️","fullyFundedDate":1778072355976,"projectUrl":"project/energizing-snacks-for-testing-season/10160887/","projectTitle":"Energizing Snacks for Testing Season","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ranu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9041714"},{"teacherId":6060489,"projectId":7481589,"letterContent":"This project transformed our classroom by making learning more engaging, interactive, and memorable. From the moment students began using the hands-on materials, their excitement and participation increased. Instead of simply reading about historical concepts, they explored, created, investigated, and collaborated like real historians. Students eagerly shared their ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and remained focused throughout each activity.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights was watching students use the materials to complete hands-on investigations that required them to observe, infer, and support their thinking with evidence. Many students who were typically hesitant to participate became actively involved because they could learn by doing rather than just listening or reading. The excitement carried into future lessons, as students looked forward to discovering what hands-on activity would come next.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students developed a deeper understanding of the curriculum while building confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. The materials turned everyday lessons into meaningful experiences that students will remember long after the activity ended. Thank you for helping make learning both fun and unforgettable for my class.","fullyFundedDate":1696352312108,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-fun/7481589/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cohan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6060489_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594167510688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6060489"},{"teacherId":6060489,"projectId":8050985,"letterContent":"This project made a meaningful difference for my students during the cold winter months. As soon as the hats, gloves, and scarves arrived, students were excited to choose warm items that fit them. For many, this was the first time they had a new winter accessory of their own. Seeing their smiles and excitement reminded us that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.\r\n\r\nThe new winter gear was used every day as students traveled safely to and from school, went outside for recess, and participated in outdoor arrival and dismissal. Several students proudly wore their new hats and gloves throughout the season, and many expressed how much warmer and more comfortable they felt. The resources also became an opportunity to reinforce lessons about kindness, gratitude, and caring for our community. Students wrote thank-you notes and reflected on how the generosity of others helped them feel supported and valued.\r\n\r\nAs we continued our school year, my students were able to focus more on learning instead of worrying about staying warm. Your generosity helped remove a barrier that many of my students faced each day and reminded them that there are people beyond our classroom who truly care about their success and well-being. Thank you for providing not only warmth, but also comfort, confidence, and hope.","fullyFundedDate":1701233394408,"projectUrl":"project/the-gift-of-warmth/8050985/","projectTitle":"The Gift of Warmth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cohan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6060489_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594167510688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6060489"},{"teacherId":10161149,"projectId":9948933,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our students with water bottles, hats and gloves. Seeing the big smiles on their faces when they received these gifts was truly heartwarming. What may seem like a small gift made each student feel seen, valued, and cared for. \r\nThese thoughtful donations remind our students that we care for them and that their well-being matters. Thank you for helping create a classroom where they feel valued and appreciated. We are very much grateful for your generosity! Thank you for making them feel special.","fullyFundedDate":1772550482182,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-warmth-a-little-water-a-lot-o/9948933/","projectTitle":"A Little Warmth, a Little Water, a Lot of Love","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tejada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10161149"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_902","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1959,"numTeachers":158,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":93,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.6,"schoolId":902,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Intermediate School 61 Leonardo Da Vinci on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Intermediate School 61 Leonardo Da Vinci","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/is-61-leonardo-davinci/902"}