{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Intermediate School 61 Leonardo Da Vinci","outOfStateSupporters":45.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":8269085,"projectId":9796734,"letterContent":"Our classroom was absolutely thrilled to receive the generous donation of snacks! While it may seem simple, having consistent access to healthy snacks has made a meaningful difference in our daily routine and in my students' ability to focus and engage.\r\n\r\nWe use the snacks during our mid-morning work block, which is one of our most academically demanding times of the day. Before the donation, I often noticed students becoming distracted, low-energy, or even irritable as lunchtime approached. Now, students are able to grab a snack quickly and return to their learning refreshed and ready to participate. It has helped create a calmer, more focused environment where everyone can do their best thinking.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have also supported our current classroom project. We are working on collaborative research presentations, which require sustained focus, teamwork, and problem-solving. Having a quick snack break before group work helps students recharge and return to their projects ready to contribute thoughtfully to their teams.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue incorporating structured snack breaks to support stamina during longer lessons and testing preparation. Your generosity is doing more than providing food — it is helping create an equitable learning environment where every student can concentrate, participate, and feel cared for.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students not just snacks, but the energy and encouragement to keep learning and growing each day!","fullyFundedDate":1767029229379,"projectUrl":"project/expression-through-building/9796734/","projectTitle":"Expression Through Building","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nielsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8269085"},{"teacherId":10161149,"projectId":9553355,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding my classroom project. Thanks to you, my students were provided with mini whiteboards that have had a great impact. It has allowed a transformation in the way they learn math.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboards have allowed my students to actively participate, collaborate with one another, and explore mathematical concepts in a hands-on learning style. It has also allowed me to monitor their work in real-time. With the use of the whiteboards, my students were able to show the different strategies or approaches used to solve a problem. This would often lead to group discussions in which those strategies were explained. Furthermore, it allowed me to quickly check for understanding and identify any possible misconceptions. This allowed me to provide immediate support and adjust instruction to meet my students' needs. \r\n\r\nAs a first-year teacher, your support has been heartfelt. Thank you for believing in my students and in our classroom. It means more than I can express. Thank you for helping create a learning environment where students feel seen, supported, and excited to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1758899082127,"projectUrl":"project/engage-include-empower-a-math-class-f/9553355/","projectTitle":"Engage, Include, Empower: A Math Class for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tejada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10161149"},{"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"}],"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":54.6,"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"}