{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy","outOfStateSupporters":15.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10281955,"projectId":9761071,"letterContent":"We began by introducing a project in which students used chess openings and domino patterns to express parts of their cultural identity. Students explored how strategy, pattern recognition, and symbolism appear in their own families' traditions,whether through games played at gatherings, the values their communities emphasize, or the stories passed down through generations. One moment that stood out was when a student shared a domino pattern that represented her grandmother teaching her to \"always think two steps ahead,\" connecting her personal history to the strategy work we were doing.\r\n\r\nStudents reacted with so much pride when they realized that these classic games could be used to explore identity and community, not just competition. The materials you provided made it possible for students to play in small groups, learn new skills, and build connections with peers who share similar backgrounds or experiences.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to develop a \"Cultural Game Showcase,\" where students will design chess scenarios or domino sequences inspired by symbols, traditions, or values from their personal or cultural identity. They will then teach these to club members, helping to build a space where students feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.\r\nThanks to your support, the club has become a welcoming and meaningful environment, one where strategy, culture, and community come together in powerful ways. Your contribution has helped our students find belonging through games that reflect who they are and where they come from.","fullyFundedDate":1759539669117,"projectUrl":"project/building-minds-culture-through-chess-a/9761071/","projectTitle":"Building Minds & Culture Through Chess and Dominoes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lendof","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10281955"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_134173","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":401,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":84.2,"schoolId":134173,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/middle-school-644-bronx-debate-academy/134173"}
Join the 19 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy is
a public school
in Bronx, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 401 students
in grades 6 - 8.
Its teachers have had 2 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy Demographics
74%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
65%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 26, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy
$1,691
raised using DonorsChoose
2
projects
funded
2
teachers
funded
19
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
Middle School 644 Bronx Debate Academy has received support from
16 individuals from New York and
3 individuals out-of-state.
