{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Intermediate School 61 Leonardo Da Vinci","outOfStateSupporters":45.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10395916,"projectId":9980569,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to fund my project to provide snacks for students during their state testing days. Your contribution has made an impact on my students. They were so excited when they heard the wonderful news, that I decided to start giving them snacks if they tell me they are hungry. \r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we have been able to provide snacks to students who are less fortunate and need snacks to keep them going throughout the school day. Food is fuel and for them it is crucial that they are well-nourished and not starving until lunch.\r\n\r\nEspecially since the students eat lunch so late in the school day, it brings them comfort to know that there are snacks available to them if they get hungry. This would not have been possible without your generous donation!","fullyFundedDate":1769192074234,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-no-more/9980569/","projectTitle":"Hungry No More!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Georgakis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10395916_orig.jpg?crop=1469,1469,x0,y29&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767632496452","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10395916"},{"teacherId":9315065,"projectId":9710276,"letterContent":"My students were super excited when they saw the snacks. Several of them couldn't believe they were allowed to take something whenever they needed it. Since my students eat lunch at 9:55 AM, they are often hungry by the afternoon, and that hunger can make it hard for them to stay focused. Thanks to your generosity, I'm now able to offer them snacks so that their basic needs never interfere with their learning.\r\n\r\nHaving these snacks available has already made a noticeable difference. Students grab what they need, settle into their work more easily, and stay engaged for longer. The snack station has brought smiles to their faces, and mine. It's a small addition with a big impact, creating a more positive, supportive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nI am truly grateful for your kindness and for believing in the importance of meeting students' needs. Your support has made a real difference in our classroom, and we appreciate you more than you know.","fullyFundedDate":1764737894437,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success/9710276/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. San Andres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9315065_orig.jpg?crop=2352,2352,x1344,y362&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757687042480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dsanandres"},{"teacherId":5951581,"projectId":9771659,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project. The board and card games you helped provide gave students a joyful way to build critical thinking, patience, and cooperation. The new soccer balls brought tremendous joy to our students as multiple groups of students are able to play soccer at the same time during recess. \r\n\r\nYou've helped us create a safe, engaging space where every child can feel included and supported. We're truly grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom community. Thank you for helping us bring joy to our students during recess.","fullyFundedDate":1765986870679,"projectUrl":"project/games-that-build-minds-and-muscles/9771659/","projectTitle":"Games that Build Minds and Muscles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Balvin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5951581"},{"teacherId":8269085,"projectId":9700109,"letterContent":"Many of our donors are passionate readers, and we're excited to share how these new books are coming to life in our classroom. Beyond enjoying the stories, students are building key reading skills such as making predictions, noticing character growth, understanding themes, and supporting their ideas with evidence from the text. We use the books to model how readers think—asking questions, pausing to clarify meaning, and talking about how illustrations, word choice, and structure add to a story's message. These lessons help students grow not just as readers, but as thoughtful, confident learners.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and joyful. You might see students reading independently with a book they've chosen, partnering up to discuss a favorite part, or gathering together for a read-aloud where we stop and talk about big ideas. The new texts have expanded our classroom library, making it easier for every student to find books that feel interesting, relatable, and just right for them.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have been especially excited about the new books. Some who were previously hesitant readers are now eager to share recommendations and talk about characters they connect with. Others are revisiting books again and again, noticing new details each time. It's been wonderful to see how these texts are helping students see themselves as readers—and to know that your generosity made that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758898879370,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-beginners/9700109/","projectTitle":"Books for Beginners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nielsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8269085"},{"teacherId":9742625,"projectId":9275085,"letterContent":"We apologize for the delay but wanted to share a huge thank you for your donations. Today is our winter concert and in a few photos you see the behind the scenes of the first drumline for this school. Each donation contributed to every rehearsal, every conversation about music, and every concert we will have have from today forward. These students have either had a year or less of experience but are now considering performing arts high schools, joining other musical extra curriculars after they leave our school, and so much more. The possibilities have become endless with this donation. \r\n\r\nI started as a member of my middle school drumline at their age in Long Island, NY. I never realized the impact then, but looking back its the smallest things (an instrument, a music teacher, a favorite song, a musical movie etc.) that can spark any child's creative interest. In each of my students, I see a small piece of myself, trying to figure out what life is going to be. Especially in today's world, we need to remind our kids now more than ever that they belong, they have a voice, and they have a future. \r\n\r\nThank you will never be enough for the contribution that was given to our students. Each of them rehearsed even when unsure, attended club while their own personal lives were imbalanced, and did it all with a smile. Thank you for helping give our students a safe space to learn and make music. Have a Happy Holiday season and a Happy New Year.","fullyFundedDate":1752586596762,"projectUrl":"project/marching-band-program/9275085/","projectTitle":"Marching Band Program","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/czana"},{"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"}],"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":54.2,"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"}