{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Intermediate School 61 Leonardo Da Vinci","outOfStateSupporters":44.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":234628,"projectId":10236371,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project! Your generosity has provided my students with engaging, hands-on science materials that are helping bring our study of energy to life.\r\nThanks to your donations, students received diffraction 3D glasses that allow them to observe light sources and see how light energy can be separated into beautiful rainbow patterns. This exciting visual experience helps students better understand the properties of light and energy.\r\nStudents also received mini rubber poppers, which provide a fun and memorable way to explore the relationship between potential and kinetic energy. By compressing the poppers and watching them spring into action, students can see energy transformations firsthand.\r\nIn addition, our wind-up paper butterflies have become a favorite classroom experiment. Students investigate how increasing the number of twists in the rubber band increases stored potential energy and affects the butterfly's motion. These hands-on investigations encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific discovery.\r\nBecause of an item replacement, we were also able to use the remaining funds to purchase inspirational quote bracelets and small reward items such as mini animal and sports-themed erasers. These items help create a positive classroom environment and provide encouragement and recognition for students' hard work and achievements.\r\nYour kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. You have given my students opportunities to learn through exploration, experimentation, and wonder. Thank you for investing in their education and helping inspire the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.","fullyFundedDate":1778071917912,"projectUrl":"project/float-like-a-butterfly/10236371/","projectTitle":"Float Like a Butterfly","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":8269085,"projectId":9983058,"letterContent":"The new resources you provided have already transformed the way my students learn. Thank you so much for your generous donation of fuel for our hungry bellies.\r\n\r\nWhen my students learned of the donation their reaction was priceless. Some gasped, some whispered \"No way,!\" That moment alone made your generosity feel monumental. The extra fuel helps students focus in class because they are no longer distracted by being hungry. \r\n\r\nYour contribution didn't just supply materials. It opened doors. Thank you for giving them that experience.","fullyFundedDate":1772550275166,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies-focused-minds/9983058/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies, Focused Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nielsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8269085"},{"teacherId":10382969,"projectId":10197342,"letterContent":"At I.S. 61, our students in temporary housing were so happy to get the laundry detergent and fabric softener. You could see the relief on their faces right away—clean clothes might seem small, but for them it means showing up to school feeling comfortable, confident, and not stressed about something they can't control.\r\n\r\nFamilies were just as grateful. A few students told us this helped their whole household, and it really took a weight off. It was a simple gesture that made a big difference, and it reminded our kids that their school community truly sees and supports them.","fullyFundedDate":1777943998250,"projectUrl":"project/loads-of-love-laundry-project/10197342/","projectTitle":"Loads of Love Laundry Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10382969_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765761109686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10382969"},{"teacherId":8139972,"projectId":10269022,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for supporting this project. Providing reusable water bottles made an immediate and meaningful impact on my students' learning. Many of my students come to school without basic supplies, and having their own water bottles helped them stay hydrated, focused, and ready to learn throughout the day. Your generosity created a more comfortable and supportive classroom environment, allowing students to concentrate on their work instead of worrying about access to something so essential.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donations, my students now have a reliable, sustainable resource they use every single day. This simple but powerful tool has helped promote healthy habits, responsibility, and a sense of pride in having something of their own. I want to give a special thank‑you to Michael Jordan & Jordan Brand for their incredible support—your contribution elevated this project in a way my students will remember. Thank you all for believing in my classroom and investing in my students' well‑being and success.","fullyFundedDate":1778176590637,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-for-learning-water-bottles-fo/10269022/","projectTitle":"Hydration for Learning: Water Bottles for Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Caicedo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8139972"},{"teacherId":9369519,"projectId":10082450,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous contributions to our recent project. Because of your kindness, we were able to provide snacks for our students during their state exams; something that made a meaningful difference in their experience.\r\n\r\nTesting days can be long and stressful, and having access to snacks helped our students stay focused, comfortable, and energized. Beyond the physical support, your donation sent a powerful message: that their community cares about their well-being and success.\r\n\r\nYour generosity had a direct and positive impact on our students, and we are truly grateful for your support. Thank you for helping us create a more supportive and encouraging testing environment.","fullyFundedDate":1771277586024,"projectUrl":"project/closing-the-hunger-gap-one-snack-at-a-t/10082450/","projectTitle":"Closing the Hunger Gap, One Snack at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9369519"},{"teacherId":234628,"projectId":9975525,"letterContent":"When I searched for the definition of \"shining light\", the response was a person who \"acts as a beacon of hope, kindness, and inspiration.\" Thank you for being our \"shining light\". Each student will receive a hand-crank flashlight to keep and perform science experiments in our physics unit. Activities such as examining potential & kinetic energy will be presented. The students will also discover the flow of energy transformation from mechanical to electrical to light energy and heat energy. We can utilize the flashlights for demonstrating the law of conservation of energy. Additionally the students will be able to use the flashlights at night when reading a book in bed. I continue to imagine how I can incorporate these flashlights into other science experiments.\r\nThank you for caring for my students.\r\n\"Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.\"\r\n— Maya Angelou","fullyFundedDate":1776193825921,"projectUrl":"project/the-potential-to-shine/9975525/","projectTitle":"The Potential to Shine","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":6499116,"projectId":10072059,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my students now have a special Student Sanctuary space filled with a new rug, comfortable chairs, faux plants, and an LED light.\r\n\r\nThese items have transformed part of our classroom into a warm, calming, and welcoming environment where students can relax, reset, reflect, and refocus when they need a moment of peace. The cozy seating and soft rug create comfort, the faux plants bring a sense of nature indoors, and the LED lights help create a peaceful atmosphere that makes students feel safe and supported.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come from low-income households, and many are children of immigrant families who work incredibly hard to provide opportunities for them. For some students, school is one of the few places where they can experience calm, consistency, and comfort during their day. Because of your generosity, they now have a space where they feel valued, cared for, and supported.\r\n\r\nThis sanctuary is more than just a corner of the classroom, it is a reminder to my students that their needs matter, their feelings matter, and their success matters. Your kindness is helping create an environment where they can thrive emotionally and academically.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your generosity is making a lasting difference each and every day.","fullyFundedDate":1770060320103,"projectUrl":"project/student-sanctuary/10072059/","projectTitle":"Student Sanctuary","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mellowes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6499116_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579122051183","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mellowes"},{"teacherId":10259977,"projectId":9784126,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, we would like to thank you for your generosity! You have given my students a safe place to express themselves creatively. \r\nMy students are primarily first generation students in a low income area and would not have had the opportunity to experience this club without your generosity. \r\nMy children have the opportunity to create and socialize in a safe space. It has been very rewarding, watching they are transformation on a weekly basis in front of me.\r\nOnce again, thank you for your generous support,\r\nSincerely,\r\nMaria C Hassel","fullyFundedDate":1766778230373,"projectUrl":"project/lego-club/9784126/","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":9742625,"projectId":9665533,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations. The impact that you have made cannot be named in a mere few sentences or pictures but we hope it is felt. Working in this community we hear stories of families going through catastrophic changes that our community is directly impacted. Whether it is current political conflict, prices of every day needs and supplies being unaffordable or unobtainable, these items provided a space for vulnerability, honesty, and true/authentic support. \r\n\r\nEach and every one of our students may be a little too shy to thank you and even feel embarrassed, but their smiles, their blossoming personalities, and their trust with us here says more than enough. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your donations and we hope to perform for you in the near future.","fullyFundedDate":1765477299879,"projectUrl":"project/arts-classroom-supplies/9665533/","projectTitle":"Arts Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/czana"},{"teacherId":9041714,"projectId":9708191,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing snacks for my middle school ELA classroom. Your donation has made a real difference in helping my students stay focused, comfortable, and ready to learn each day.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the snacks during our reading and writing time. One moment that stood out was during a recent writing task in which they had to come up with text evidence and help each other in groups, having that extra boost of energy allowed them to dive deeper into their thinking and conversations.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the snacks, they were genuinely excited and grateful. As we move forward, students are preparing for their state exams. Having consistent access to snacks will help them maintain focus during review sessions. \r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting my students and our classroom. Your kindness truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1767144268175,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-middle-schoolers/9708191/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Middle Schoolers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ranu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9041714"},{"teacherId":234628,"projectId":9975543,"letterContent":"I am sending you an amazing amount of thankfulness for supporting the students in my academy. During the stressful times of state testing, my students will now be able to take a break and have a nutritious snack to help boost their energy levels. The granola bars you helped provide for the 6th, 7th, & 8th graders in my academy will be a welcome treat during state testing days. We are grateful for your generosity and warm-heartedness in helping feed our students. It means a lot to share with them that a DonorsChoose donor cares about them!","fullyFundedDate":1767920227688,"projectUrl":"project/granola-gains/9975543/","projectTitle":"Granola Gains","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":8269085,"projectId":9765549,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been supported in a way that truly meets our students' everyday needs. The snacks you provided have made a meaningful difference in our learning environment, helping students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students' faces lit up, and many couldn't believe that these were just for them. For some, it was clear this meant more than just a treat—it was comfort, security, and a reminder that someone cares about their well-being. Several students quietly said, \"Are these really for us?\" That moment alone showed how impactful your kindness truly is.\r\n\r\nWe are using the snacks thoughtfully throughout the day. They've become especially helpful during longer lessons, testing periods, and project work time. Recently, during a collaborative classroom project, students were able to grab a quick snack before settling into their group work. Instead of being distracted by hunger, they were engaged, participating in discussions, and focused on problem-solving. I noticed improved stamina and fewer requests to leave the room due to hunger.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have also helped create a more equitable classroom environment. Every student knows that if they're hungry, they can access something without embarrassment. That sense of stability supports not only their physical needs but their emotional readiness to learn.\r\n\r\nAs we move into the next phase of our current unit, students will be working on extended group projects and presentations. Having snacks available will continue to support sustained focus and collaboration. Your generosity ensures that our students can concentrate on learning and growing—without hunger standing in the way.\r\n\r\nThank you for nourishing our students in such a tangible and compassionate way. Your support is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1766067767832,"projectUrl":"project/brain-break-fuel/9765549/","projectTitle":"Brain Break Fuel","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nielsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8269085"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.2,"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"}