{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Intermediate School 61 Leonardo Da Vinci","outOfStateSupporters":46.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10259977,"projectId":9712617,"letterContent":"This was such an amazing experience my students and myself. It was great to see my students blossom. They had such a great time getting the opportunity to create lego projects and also free play.\r\n\r\nMy students were so happy to have a safe place to explore and grow in a non judgemental way.\r\n\r\nMy personal favorite part of this club was when they students free played. It was amazing to see what they were able to imagine first and then actually build.\r\n\r\nI can't wait to see what they will create each week!\r\n\r\nThank you again for this experience!","fullyFundedDate":1758249976064,"projectUrl":"project/lego-club/9712617/","projectTitle":"LEGO Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hassel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10259977_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y198&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759358263667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10259977"},{"teacherId":8789754,"projectId":9699911,"letterContent":"Obtaining the books, specifically graphic novels, for students of mine in their native language of Spanish have made reading seem not so scary. So many of my students are still not comfortable in their English skills and by providing the books in the class library have made reading seem more accessible to them. \r\n\r\nThe students engage in independent reading once a week and the books that this project has provided have broadened the horizon for my reluctant readers. The graphic novel aspect of many of these books also help the students make text to life connections.\r\n\r\nA few students are asking for more books now that they have started to enjoy reading for pleasure. I will try my best to continue to provide access to texts that can spark a love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1758315008677,"projectUrl":"project/diverse-books-for-diverse-students/9699911/","projectTitle":"Diverse Books for Diverse Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8789754_orig.jpg?crop=542,542,x620,y741&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686836473670","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8789754"},{"teacherId":9378213,"projectId":8897424,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our library is now filled with the very books my students have been wishing for. The joy has been incredible to witness. From the moment the new books arrived, students crowded around the cart, eagerly scanning for the titles they had begged for in our suggestion box. The looks on their faces when they saw their requests come to life is something I will never forget.\r\n\r\nOne student, Xander, came to the library every single day asking if we had Blue Lock. Each time, I had to tell him, \"Not yet.\" When he finally saw the volumes on the shelf, his excitement was contagious. He couldn't stop smiling, and he proudly checked out the first one right away. Moments like this show just how much it means for students to feel seen and heard in their reading choices.\r\n\r\nThe graphic novels, series, and beloved favorites you helped bring to our library have already flown off the shelves. Students who once struggled to find something they loved are now eagerly reading, trading books with friends, and coming back for the next volume. You didn't just give us books. You gave my students the gift of joy, belonging, and a love of reading that will last far beyond these pages.","fullyFundedDate":1730319598043,"projectUrl":"project/please-fulfill-our-book-wishes/8897424/","projectTitle":"Please Fulfill our Book Wishes!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donovan","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":234628,"projectId":9478351,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my 8th grade readers by providing sequels to some of their favorite graphic novels. My students enjoy reading books in a series so they can follow the lives of their favorite characters. During the first week of school, I placed the new graphic novels in a bin and labeled them \"new releases\". Of course I had to make a waiting list because so many students wanted to read the new books. In addition to the books, the animal bookmarks were a big hit with all the students.\r\nI am also grateful for the boxes of Kleenex tissues. As soon as students are together in a classroom, the runny noses begin. I consider my tissue boxes valuable and let the students know that my donors from DonorsChoose care about them.\r\nThank you for your caring and kindness in promoting literacy to my grateful middle school readers.","fullyFundedDate":1753917386462,"projectUrl":"project/welcome-back-graphic-novel-surprise/9478351/","projectTitle":"Welcome Back Graphic Novel Surprise!","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":9427109,"letterContent":"We have Filed It! Found It! and Used It! Thank you for helping organize my 8th graders science papers. These particular folders are made out of plastic so they will hopefully last the full school year without being destroyed. The colors of the folders are also trendy. By giving each of my 120 middle schoolers a 3-prong folder plus a pocket folder, I have been able to demonstrate how to coordinate their assignments whether it is classwork, homework, or lab work. My students and I truly appreciate your caring and kindness in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755496323887,"projectUrl":"project/file-it-find-it-use-it/9427109/","projectTitle":"File It, Find It, Use It!","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":9378213,"projectId":8910348,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my school library. Due to your donations, we currently have a growing makerspace section in the library filled with low tech supplies, games, and high tech supplies.\r\n\r\nThe impact that this has had on the social emotional learning of the students is absolutely amazing. As a school that has so many students with english as a new language, games and puzzles are essential connection points for making friends without the necessity of language. \r\n\r\nMy students have loved coming to the library this year to play a game, put a couple pieces on the puzzle, read a book, and create so many amazing things. \r\n\r\nI appreciate your generosity immensely.","fullyFundedDate":1730718748298,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-steam-exploration-empowering/8910348/","projectTitle":"Inspiring STEAM Exploration: Empowering Students through a Library Makerspace Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donovan","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":8968073,"letterContent":"As a school librarian in a school that has not had a library in a really long time, incentives are key for managing behavior expectations and encouraging lifelong reading habits. \r\n\r\nThis year, incentives that you helped donate such as bookmarks, fidget toys, and snacks ensured that the library became a place in which students creativity thrived and good behavior was rewarded. \r\n\r\nI was able to give my classes snacks after a job well done, and if anyone knows a middle schooler, snacks are the way to their heart. \r\n\r\nI truly could not have made this year a success without the generous donations from this community. \r\nThank you.","fullyFundedDate":1732791714895,"projectUrl":"project/prizes-make-learning-fun/8968073/","projectTitle":"Prizes make Learning Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donovan","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":8968171,"letterContent":"This year our school library makeover, and you were instrumental in helping us give our books a massive upgrade. \r\nAfter the library became a cool place to hang out, all of our top books quickly went out, leaving many students waiting and waiting for a copy. In a school with 2,000 students and 2,000 books, this left many wanting more. \r\n\r\nDue to this project, so many of our students were able to get their hands on the book they had been waiting weeks for, and for that I thank you. Creating lifelong readers is only possible when students are engaged and encouraged, which was made possible by your generous donation. \r\n\r\nI can say for sure that all the books are well loved and will continue to grow our reading culture!","fullyFundedDate":1734564624553,"projectUrl":"project/creating-lifelong-readers/8968171/","projectTitle":"Creating Lifelong Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donovan","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":8967975,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our rookie FIRST Lego League teams walked into their very first competition with pride, confidence, and a true team identity. The hats, buttons, stickers, and name tags gave our students a sense of belonging and unity that made them feel like a real team the moment they stepped into the venue. Instead of feeling like newcomers, they felt prepared, recognized, and ready to share their excitement for robotics.\r\n\r\nThe button maker was a huge highlight. Students loved designing and handing out buttons to other teams, and it quickly became one of their favorite ways to connect and build friendships across the competition. The shirts and hats not only made them look professional, but also reminded them that they were part of something bigger than themselves.\r\n\r\nThe results were beyond what any of us dreamed possible. Both rookie teams made it all the way to the semifinals, and each team proudly brought home a trophy. Seeing their faces light up when their hard work and creativity were recognized on such a big stage was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nThis project turned what could have been an intimidating first competition into a magical, empowering experience. Our students came away not only proud of what they accomplished on the field, but also proud of the identity they created together. Thank you for making their first season one they will never forget.","fullyFundedDate":1732791717996,"projectUrl":"project/dream-team-help-our-rookie-teams-shine/8967975/","projectTitle":"Dream Team: Help Our Rookie Teams Shine at Competition!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donovan","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":8847051,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind and generous donations. As a middle school librarian in a very predominately Spanish speaking neighborhood, it is so critical that we have literature that reflects students identity and reading ability. \r\n\r\nWhen I inherited the collection last year, less than 2% of our entire collection was in Spanish and now that percentage has grown to 8% of our collection. This is a small number still, but it is significant growth. \r\n\r\nOur students absolutely loved having these books, and our circulation numbers made that very clear. They were picked up, read, and carefully brought back for other students to enjoy. \r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students the opportunity to read in their native tongue.","fullyFundedDate":1727995745991,"projectUrl":"project/opening-worlds-inspiring-young-minds-wi/8847051/","projectTitle":"Opening Worlds: Inspiring Young Minds with Spanish Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donovan","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":7995956,"projectId":9049183,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincerest gratitude for your kind support of my classroom. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to purchase a variety of fidgets and soccer balls to add to our classroom's \"Victory Vault\" — our very own treasure chest reward system. These items have made a meaningful and lasting impact on my students in ways I couldn't have imagined.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, school is one of the few stable and encouraging environments they experience daily. They come from diverse backgrounds, many of them new to the country, and face challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Because of you, I'm now able to offer tangible rewards that truly excite and motivate them. The fidgets have been especially beneficial for students who struggle with focus or anxiety, providing them with a quiet, constructive outlet that helps them stay engaged and calm during lessons. The soccer balls have become a prized treasure, encouraging physical activity and teamwork both during recess and after school.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just purchase items — it created a ripple effect of encouragement, motivation, and joy in our classroom. Thank you for believing in the potential of every child who walks through my door. Your support has helped me build a classroom culture centered on growth, respect, and excitement for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1746821139843,"projectUrl":"project/the-victory-vault/9049183/","projectTitle":"The Victory Vault","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Konrad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7995956"},{"teacherId":234628,"projectId":9032280,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my group of grade 6 - 8 middle school students. Testing is never easy, but with your generous support, students were able to have a surprise boost and re-energize.\r\n\r\nBy providing some simple snacks, such as LifeSavers and Smarties, to tide them over until their lunch period, students could continue to concentrate and focus on their exams. I also truly appreciate the sugar-free candy options for some of the students with health issues.\r\n\r\nMy students and I deeply appreciate your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1745514328245,"projectUrl":"project/shhh-quiet-candy-during-testing/9032280/","projectTitle":"Shhh! Quiet!! Candy During Testing","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_902","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2133,"numTeachers":158,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":94,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":53.6,"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"}