{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Junior High School 157 Stephen A Halsey","outOfStateSupporters":22.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9567166,"projectId":10020753,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our students were able to grow their own cilantro using our hydroponics system—and the impact was incredible.\r\n\r\nStudents didn't just learn about plant growth, they experienced it firsthand. They monitored water levels, observed root development, and saw how nutrients—not soil—can sustain healthy plants. Watching the cilantro grow in a controlled system helped them understand how food can be produced efficiently and sustainably, especially in urban environments like ours.\r\n\r\nThe most powerful moment came when students realized they had grown something real from start to finish. There was a strong sense of ownership, curiosity, and pride as they harvested what they had taken care of. It turned an abstract concept into something tangible and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThis experience showed students that science isn't just something you read about—it's something you can build, manage, and be a part of.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this hands-on learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1777403489838,"projectUrl":"project/sustaining-our-hydroponics-systems-with/10020753/","projectTitle":"Sustaining our Hydroponics Systems (With a Twist!)","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lober","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9567166_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006231911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-lober"},{"teacherId":9567166,"projectId":10166326,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our students were able to grow their own cilantro using our hydroponics system—and the impact was incredible.\r\n\r\nStudents didn't just learn about plant growth, they experienced it firsthand. They monitored water levels, observed root development, and saw how nutrients—not soil—can sustain healthy plants. Watching the cilantro grow in a controlled system helped them understand how food can be produced efficiently and sustainably, especially in urban environments like ours.\r\n\r\nThe most powerful moment came when students realized they had grown something real from start to finish. There was a strong sense of ownership, curiosity, and pride as they harvested what they had taken care of. It turned an abstract concept into something tangible and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThis experience showed students that science isn't just something you read about—it's something you can build, manage, and be a part of.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this hands-on learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1776439917111,"projectUrl":"project/rockwool-cubes-to-plant-new-seeds-in-our/10166326/","projectTitle":"Rockwool Cubes to Plant New Seeds in Our Hydroponics System!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lober","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9567166_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006231911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-lober"},{"teacherId":9567166,"projectId":10090212,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support of \"PLA for Pla-y! 3D Printing in Our STEM Lab,\" our students now have the materials they need to turn their ideas into real, tangible creations. With a steady supply of PLA filament, students are designing and printing prototypes, models, and solutions to real-world problems. This has transformed our STEM lab into a space where creativity meets engineering, and where students can immediately see the results of their thinking.\r\n\r\nStudents are now engaging more deeply in the design process—brainstorming, testing, revising, and improving their work through multiple iterations. Whether they are creating parts for hydroponic systems, building models to demonstrate scientific concepts, or designing original inventions, they are developing critical skills in problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and technology use. The hands-on nature of 3D printing has significantly increased engagement and ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond the classroom, these experiences are preparing students for future careers in engineering, design, and technology. They are learning how to take an idea from concept to creation, while also understanding the importance of precision, persistence, and innovation. Your donation is not just providing materials—it is giving students the opportunity to explore, create, and build confidence in their abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1770745385959,"projectUrl":"project/meditation-set-up-for-our-stem-lab/10090212/","projectTitle":"Meditation Set-up for Our STEM Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lober","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9567166_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006231911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-lober"},{"teacherId":9567166,"projectId":10002461,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support of \"PLA for Pla-y! 3D Printing in Our STEM Lab,\" our students now have the materials they need to turn their ideas into real, tangible creations. With a steady supply of PLA filament, students are designing and printing prototypes, models, and solutions to real-world problems. This has transformed our STEM lab into a space where creativity meets engineering, and where students can immediately see the results of their thinking.\r\n\r\nStudents are now engaging more deeply in the design process—brainstorming, testing, revising, and improving their work through multiple iterations. Whether they are creating parts for hydroponic systems, building models to demonstrate scientific concepts, or designing original inventions, they are developing critical skills in problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and technology use. The hands-on nature of 3D printing has significantly increased engagement and ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond the classroom, these experiences are preparing students for future careers in engineering, design, and technology. They are learning how to take an idea from concept to creation, while also understanding the importance of precision, persistence, and innovation. Your donation is not just providing materials—it is giving students the opportunity to explore, create, and build confidence in their abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1768402364796,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-club-tea-set/10002461/","projectTitle":"Cooking Club Tea Set","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lober","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9567166_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006231911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-lober"},{"teacherId":9567166,"projectId":9936014,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support of \"PLA for Pla-y! 3D Printing in Our STEM Lab,\" our students now have the materials they need to turn their ideas into real, tangible creations. With a steady supply of PLA filament, students are designing and printing prototypes, models, and solutions to real-world problems. This has transformed our STEM lab into a space where creativity meets engineering, and where students can immediately see the results of their thinking.\r\n\r\nStudents are now engaging more deeply in the design process—brainstorming, testing, revising, and improving their work through multiple iterations. Whether they are creating parts for hydroponic systems, building models to demonstrate scientific concepts, or designing original inventions, they are developing critical skills in problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and technology use. The hands-on nature of 3D printing has significantly increased engagement and ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond the classroom, these experiences are preparing students for future careers in engineering, design, and technology. They are learning how to take an idea from concept to creation, while also understanding the importance of precision, persistence, and innovation. Your donation is not just providing materials—it is giving students the opportunity to explore, create, and build confidence in their abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1764681826528,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-club-organization-material/9936014/","projectTitle":"Cooking Club Organization Material","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lober","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9567166_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006231911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-lober"},{"teacherId":9567166,"projectId":9906668,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support of \"PLA for Pla-y! 3D Printing in Our STEM Lab,\" our students now have the materials they need to turn their ideas into real, tangible creations. With a steady supply of PLA filament, students are designing and printing prototypes, models, and solutions to real-world problems. This has transformed our STEM lab into a space where creativity meets engineering, and where students can immediately see the results of their thinking.\r\n\r\nStudents are now engaging more deeply in the design process—brainstorming, testing, revising, and improving their work through multiple iterations. Whether they are creating parts for hydroponic systems, building models to demonstrate scientific concepts, or designing original inventions, they are developing critical skills in problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and technology use. The hands-on nature of 3D printing has significantly increased engagement and ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond the classroom, these experiences are preparing students for future careers in engineering, design, and technology. They are learning how to take an idea from concept to creation, while also understanding the importance of precision, persistence, and innovation. Your donation is not just providing materials—it is giving students the opportunity to explore, create, and build confidence in their abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1772807135116,"projectUrl":"project/pla-for-pla-y-3d-printing-in-our-stem-l/9906668/","projectTitle":"PLA for Pla-y! 3D Printing in Our STEM Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lober","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9567166_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006231911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-lober"},{"teacherId":9567166,"projectId":9893974,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of our project, \"Utilizing Timers and Noise Cancellation for Research (STEM Lab).\" Because of your donation, our students now have access to tools that help create a more focused and productive learning environment. These resources have already begun to transform the way students approach their work, allowing them to better manage their time and minimize distractions during critical moments of research and experimentation.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of timers, students are building stronger time-management skills by structuring their work periods, setting goals, and staying accountable throughout each phase of a project. The noise-cancellation tools have been just as impactful, helping students maintain concentration in a busy classroom setting. As a result, we are seeing improved engagement, longer periods of sustained focus, and higher-quality outcomes in student research projects.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these tools are helping students develop habits that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. They are learning how to create environments that support deep thinking, persistence, and independence—skills essential for success in STEM fields and beyond. Your support has made a direct and lasting impact on our students' ability to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Thank you for investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1763559472650,"projectUrl":"project/utilizing-timers-and-noise-cancellation/9893974/","projectTitle":"Utilizing Timers and Noise Cancellation for Research (STEM Lab)","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lober","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9567166_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006231911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-lober"},{"teacherId":9818186,"projectId":9918588,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\nThank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us add the classroom decorations we truly needed. Your generosity immediately made a difference—not in some abstract \"someday\" way, but in the day-to-day rhythm of learning. A welcoming, cheerful classroom helps students feel comfortable, valued, and ready to participate—and that matters every single day.\r\nThe first time the decorations arrived, my students were genuinely excited—especially because they understood what the support meant. There were a lot of big smiles and \"This makes it feel like our classroom!\" comments, and students immediately started noticing details and talking about what they liked most. It was a real moment of pride and belonging.\r\nOne moment that really captured the impact happened when students walked in and saw the room transformed. The atmosphere was instantly different—calmer, brighter, and more \"ours.\" Students settled in more quickly, were more willing to share, and seemed more excited to get started. It sounds small, but creating a space where students feel safe and motivated makes a huge difference in how they learn and how they treat one another.\r\nNext, we're using our classroom environment to support the work students are doing right now—building routines, strengthening community, and staying engaged during reading, writing, and discussion. The goal is for the room to reflect student growth and effort, so we'll be adding student work and class-created visuals as we move through our current lessons and projects. Your support didn't just make the room look nicer—it helped make school feel more positive and encouraging for students who really need that.","fullyFundedDate":1764693313457,"projectUrl":"project/green-team-gardening-and-extension-suppl/9918588/","projectTitle":"Green Team Gardening and Extension Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9818186"},{"teacherId":9818186,"projectId":9906490,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\nThank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us add the classroom decorations we truly needed. Your generosity immediately made a difference—not in some abstract \"someday\" way, but in the day-to-day rhythm of learning. A welcoming, cheerful classroom helps students feel comfortable, valued, and ready to participate—and that matters every single day.\r\nThe first time the decorations arrived, my students were genuinely excited—especially because they understood what the support meant. There were a lot of big smiles and \"This makes it feel like our classroom!\" comments, and students immediately started noticing details and talking about what they liked most. It was a real moment of pride and belonging.\r\nOne moment that really captured the impact happened when students walked in and saw the room transformed. The atmosphere was instantly different—calmer, brighter, and more \"ours.\" Students settled in more quickly, were more willing to share, and seemed more excited to get started. It sounds small, but creating a space where students feel safe and motivated makes a huge difference in how they learn and how they treat one another.\r\nNext, we're using our classroom environment to support the work students are doing right now—building routines, strengthening community, and staying engaged during reading, writing, and discussion. The goal is for the room to reflect student growth and effort, so we'll be adding student work and class-created visuals as we move through our current lessons and projects. Your support didn't just make the room look nicer—it helped make school feel more positive and encouraging for students who really need that.","fullyFundedDate":1764693433983,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-holiday-decorations-and-studen/9906490/","projectTitle":"Classroom Holiday Decorations and Student Toys","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9818186"},{"teacherId":9818186,"projectId":9866168,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\nThank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us add the resources we truly needed. Your generosity immediately made a difference—not in some abstract \"someday\" way, but in the day-to-day rhythm of learning. Instead of students worrying about interruptions or having to pause and reshuffle plans, we can stay focused on the work: researching, drafting, collaborating, and creating.\r\nThe first time the materials arrived, my students were genuinely excited—especially because they understood what the support meant. There were a lot of \"Wait, we can actually use these?\" reactions, and then that quick shift into problem-solving mode: students figuring out how to share resources fairly, setting up routines, and taking real ownership over keeping everything organized and working.\r\nOne moment that really captured the impact happened during a recent work session when students were in the middle of a project that required sustained focus (researching, writing, and revising in real time). In the past, small logistical issues could interrupt the flow and leave some students stuck waiting. This time, students were able to keep going and stay fully engaged—no lost momentum, no stress, just learning. It sounds small, but in a classroom, those \"smooth\" moments are everything: they're when confidence builds and students feel capable.\r\nNext, we're using these resources to push further into student-driven work—more independent research, more drafting and revision, and more opportunities for students to create polished final products they can be proud of. With the practical hurdles lowered, students can concentrate on higher-level skills: stronger evidence, clearer explanations, and better collaboration. Thanks to you, our classroom feels more prepared, more efficient, and more empowering for kids.","fullyFundedDate":1763481766743,"projectUrl":"project/stem-extension-of-hydroponicgardening-c/9866168/","projectTitle":"STEM Extension of Hydroponic/Gardening Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9818186"},{"teacherId":8057825,"projectId":9735149,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my students were thrilled to receive weighted animals, curriculum-aligned books, a new bookcase, sensory toys, and fun stickers. The weighted animals and sensory tools have already made a noticeable difference in helping students feel calm, focused, and ready to learn, especially during transitions and independent work time. The excitement on their faces when they explored these new materials was truly heartwarming and reminded them that people beyond our classroom care deeply about their success.\r\nThe new books that align with our social studies curriculum, along with the bookcase to organize them, have transformed our learning space. Students are more engaged during lessons and eager to explore topics independently, making stronger connections to the content we study. The stickers have been a simple but powerful way to encourage positive behavior and celebrate effort, building confidence and motivation. Your kindness has created a more supportive, engaging, and joyful learning environment, and my students and I are incredibly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1758899017201,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-special-education-students-acces/9735149/","projectTitle":"Help My Special Education Students Access US History","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cohen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8057825_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728867135565","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8057825"},{"teacherId":3323077,"projectId":9912962,"letterContent":"Thank you to the flag team who gave us this donation as our teacher was a semi finalist for the award last year. We are excited to receive our snacks and stands for our outside performances.\r\n\r\nWe perform a lot outside of our school, and we don't always know what equipment will be available for us. Often times when we travel, the kids really enjoy having a snack or a special treat, which keeps them motivated and makes them feel important. Your generous donation helps with not only our performances, but also our classroom culture and morale.","fullyFundedDate":1763860358650,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-stands/9912962/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Stands!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shikowitz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3323077_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572363644390","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3323077"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1010","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1588,"numTeachers":96,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":28,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.5,"schoolId":1010,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Junior High School 157 Stephen A Halsey on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Junior High School 157 Stephen A Halsey","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/jhs-157-stephen-a-halsey/1010"}