{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Poughkeepsie Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":31.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5015048,"projectId":2980603,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation that provided headphones for my students. Your support has made a tremendous difference in our classroom—allowing each student to stay focused, engaged, and fully immersed in their learning. With fewer distractions and the ability to work at their own pace, our lessons have become more interactive and meaningful.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the headphones, I've noticed a clear improvement in student participation and academic performance. Many students are showing greater confidence and enthusiasm for learning, and their grades have begun to reflect this positive change. Your kindness has not only supplied a much-needed resource but has also inspired my students to do their best each day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and investing in our students' success. Your generosity continues to make a lasting impact on their education and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1513794724922,"projectUrl":"project/music-motivates-and-is-a-multi-sensory-e/2980603/","projectTitle":"Music Motivates and is a Multi-sensory Experience for Sped Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5015048_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1512867055534","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5015048"},{"teacherId":5130393,"projectId":9072960,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! The students were so excited to see the new materials for our room. We have set up our calming area, and the students are loving it! \r\nThe carpet is large enough for them to all sit and spread out, and the chairs allow them another seating choice to work. The headphones are working great at giving them time to tune out the sounds around them and to decompress. The lamps allow us to not have the bright fluorescent lights on, and they provide a less stimulating environment. Your donations have allowed us to support our diverse sensory needs, allowing our students to be as successful as possible. \r\nWe appreciate your support more than you know!","fullyFundedDate":1744032962976,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-sensory-diversity-in-the-cla/9072960/","projectTitle":"Supporting Sensory Diversity in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bleakley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5130393_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519847993157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5130393"},{"teacherId":5018340,"projectId":9419689,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, [Project Title]. Because of you, our classroom now has a fully equipped Calming Corner—a safe, soothing space where students can regulate their emotions, reset, and return to learning ready and refreshed.\r\n\r\n The impact of this space has already been profound. Students who were once overwhelmed now have a quiet spot to breathe, reflect, and practice mindfulness. The calming tools, soft seating, and sensory items you've helped provide are not just supplies—they're lifelines for students learning how to manage big feelings in healthy ways.\r\n\r\n One student told me, \"I love going to the Calming Corner because it helps me feel like I can start over when I'm having a hard day.\" Moments like these remind me how crucial your support truly is.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of social-emotional learning and for helping make our classroom a more compassionate, supportive place for every learner.","fullyFundedDate":1753871790747,"projectUrl":"project/creating-calming-corner-can-help-regulat/9419689/","projectTitle":"Creating Calming Corner Can Help Regulate Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurnee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5018340_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1521164821609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5018340"},{"teacherId":8004741,"projectId":9481291,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Pencils for Writing\" project! These pencils have become an essential tool in our science classroom, and I'm excited to share how your contribution is making a real impact on our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nWhen the pencils arrived, the excitement was immediate. You wouldn't believe how something as simple as a quality pencil could light up a room! One student even said, \"Now I can actually finish my science journal without borrowing!\" That moment alone made it clear just how much your donation meant.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, each student had their own pencil—sharp, reliable, and ready to use. This small but powerful resource allowed students to focus. \r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our science classroom. Your donation did more than supply a basic need—it fueled discovery, critical thinking, and a genuine excitement for science.","fullyFundedDate":1754955957356,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-for-writing/9481291/","projectTitle":"Pencils for Writing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8004741"},{"teacherId":8004741,"projectId":9616295,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my seventh-grade students now have the organizational tools they need to thrive academically—brand-new binders that have made a big difference in our classroom routines, learning habits, and overall confidence. These may seem like simple supplies, but to my students, they have become powerful tools for structure, pride, and success.\r\n\r\nWhen the binders first arrived, the room was filled with excitement. Several students eagerly asked, \"Are these really for us?\" They were thrilled!!! Many of my students come from homes where school supplies can be a financial burden, so receiving these high-quality binders felt like a meaningful investment in their learning. One student even said, \"Now I feel like I'm really ready for school.\"\r\n\r\nWe've already seen a clear shift in the classroom. Students use their binders daily to store class notes, homework assignments, study guides, and handouts. They're learning how to manage multiple subjects, keep track of due dates, and take responsibility for their materials. \r\n\r\nThe binders have also made it easier for me to differentiate instruction. I can now provide individualized packets and graphic organizers, knowing each student has a consistent and organized place to keep them. \r\n\r\nThank you again for helping to create a classroom environment where students feel equipped and empowered. These binders are more than just school supplies—they are tools of confidence, preparation, and pride. My students and I are so grateful for your kindness and belief in our learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1756045760729,"projectUrl":"project/binders-for-science/9616295/","projectTitle":"Binders For Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8004741"},{"teacherId":5652035,"projectId":9188625,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our project, \"Exploring the Thrilling World of a Graphic Novel!\" for our 8th grade Inclusion ELA class. Because of your support, we were able to bring Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation into our classroom, and the impact has been incredible.\r\n\r\nGraphic novels open doors for students who are often reluctant readers, and this book has done just that. My students are more engaged than ever, drawn in by the visuals and accessible format while still experiencing the power of Anne Frank's story. During our class read-aloud, students were eager to step into character and bring the voices of Anne, her family, and the others in hiding to life. Even those who usually shy away from reading aloud raised their hands with excitement to participate.\r\n\r\nThis project has given my students not only the opportunity to connect with an important piece of history, but also the confidence to find their voices as readers and performers. The combination of text and illustrations has sparked thoughtful discussions, empathy, and a deeper understanding of Anne's courage and resilience.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, I am deeply grateful. Your generosity made this possible, and you have helped transform reading into a source of joy, confidence, and discovery for young learners who truly needed it.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation","fullyFundedDate":1746844017224,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-thrilling-world-of-a-graph/9188625/","projectTitle":"Exploring the Thrilling World of a Graphic Novel!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hayen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5652035_orig.jpg?crop=474,474,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565366217214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-hayen"},{"teacherId":6619750,"projectId":9190178,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support. My students love reading graphic novels, which makes reading more accessible, especially for those reading below grade level. Many of our students are reluctant readers and a graphic novel helps hold their interest. The hardcover books you provided are more durable and will withstand many readers.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your generosity, as we are an inner-city school with limited supplies. Thank you for making a difference in our students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746814744325,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-vivid-world-of-graphic-nov/9190178/","projectTitle":"Exploring the Vivid World of Graphic Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buccheri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6619750_orig.png?crop=271,271,x58,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565370786889","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6619750"},{"teacherId":5018340,"projectId":9069151,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donation of my classroom's coffee bar. The students are already learning so much! \r\nThey love serving the different teachers who come in. I love seeing them interact with our \"Customers\". The students are also responsible for cleaning up the coffee bar and getting it ready for the next day's customers. They have to fill up the water reserves, fill up the coffee grinds, and make sure we have everything cleaned up for the next day. As well as putting the things that are refrigerated back in the refrigerator. They love the jobs that they have, and the teachers/staff are VERY supportive of the coffee bar and keeping it going. It's a win-win! \r\nThank you so much. These words don't even cover the amount of gratitude that we (as a class) have for this monumental and very gracious gift!","fullyFundedDate":1742927179105,"projectUrl":"project/please-help-me-enhance-my-students-job/9069151/","projectTitle":"Please Help Me Enhance My Students' Job Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurnee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5018340_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1521164821609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5018340"},{"teacherId":3767712,"projectId":9130131,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our 'Representational Read Aloud Project'. The money you donated was used to purchase 60 copies of the book \"Ways to Make Sunshine\". The books have arrived and we have already implemented it as our last whole class read aloud novel of the year. Our team believes it is important to have our student population represented in our class read aloud and you have made that possible. From the moment we started this book students have been engaged and look forward to reading it daily. Moving forward we plan to make this novel apart of our curriculum.\r\n Using chapter 1, where the main character Ryan explains the importance of her name, we implemented a research and expository essay name project. During this project, the students developed research skills through both internet and family interviews. Through their research they were able to produce exceptional essays and artwork on their names. I will attach pictures for reference.\r\n Once again thank you for your donation and for allow us the opportunity to step into the world and perspective of another person and live through their experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1741277018819,"projectUrl":"project/representational-read-aloud/9130131/","projectTitle":"Representational Read Aloud","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Esposito","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3767712"},{"teacherId":5018340,"projectId":9015635,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing these essential supplies. As the winter season sets in, we are experiencing a significant increase in circulating germs, and our tissue supply was running critically low. Your contribution has come at the perfect time.\r\n\r\nThe colored paper will make classroom activities and paperwork more engaging for the students, adding an extra layer of excitement to their work. Additionally, the fruit snacks are not only a delightful treat but also serve as a much-needed pick-me-up and a rewarding incentive for the students after a day of hard work.\r\n\r\nI deeply appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness. Your support truly makes a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1734736898513,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-12-2/9015635/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-12-20","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurnee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5018340_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1521164821609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5018340"},{"teacherId":2534866,"projectId":8791842,"letterContent":"We can't thank you enought for your donation. Your generosity will reach studnet's in our classroom for years to come. Our students were so happy to have novels that weren't falling apart, and missing pages. They were all so happy to see the new illustrations on the updated versions of their book. The students were so proud of their new books, that they shared there excitement by creating a showcase in the hallway for all of the other classes to see. The donations of this text inspired another teacher to write her project for another new novel. Donors choose is an amazing way for teachers to enrich their classrooms.\r\nThank you\r\nYours in education,\r\nMr. Hines","fullyFundedDate":1726689130658,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-novels-need-to-be-retired/8791842/","projectTitle":"Help!! Our Novels Need To Be Retired!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hines","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2534866_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572024875970","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-hines"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_21702","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":857,"numTeachers":72,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":47,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":68.7,"schoolId":21702,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Poughkeepsie Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Poughkeepsie Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/poughkeepsie-city-school-district/poughkeepsie-middle-school/21702"}
Join the 431 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Poughkeepsie Middle School is
an urban public school
in Poughkeepsie, New York that is part of Poughkeepsie City School District.
It serves 857 students
in grades 5 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.9:1.
Its teachers have had 113 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
87%
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.
Poughkeepsie Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Poughkeepsie Middle School
$93,950
raised using DonorsChoose
113
projects
funded
49
teachers
funded
431
donors
11
projects
for
basic supplies
53
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Poughkeepsie Middle School has received support from
296 individuals from New York and
135 individuals out-of-state.