{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 16 John J Driscoll","outOfStateSupporters":38.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2051833,"projectId":9828194,"letterContent":"This puppet theater project has had a profound and meaningful impact on our first and second grade students, enriching their learning in ways that extend far beyond the stage. Puppet theater is an incredibly powerful tool for young learners, and through this project, students were able to immerse themselves in storytelling, creativity, and purposeful play while developing essential academic and social-emotional skills.\r\nOne of the most significant impacts of this project has been the growth in students' language and communication abilities. As students created characters, crafted dialogue, and performed scenes, they practiced expressive language, vocabulary, sequencing, and oral storytelling. Puppetry provided a natural and joyful way for students to speak in complete sentences, describe events, and communicate ideas clearly. Even students who are typically hesitant to speak in front of others found confidence behind their puppets. The puppet became their \"voice,\" empowering them to express thoughts and emotions more freely and with greater enthusiasm.\r\nThe project also strengthened collaboration and empathy within the classroom community. Puppet theater is inherently cooperative—students must listen to one another, plan together, share materials, and coordinate their movements and storytelling. Through this collaborative process, students learned how to take turns, support each other's ideas, and build stories as a team. They celebrated one another's creativity, offered encouragement during performances, and learned to appreciate the unique perspectives and contributions of their peers.\r\nCreatively, the puppet theater project opened endless opportunities for imagination. Students were able to design characters, invent voices, construct settings, and bring entire worlds to life. This creative freedom encouraged divergent thinking and problem-solving as they figured out how to portray emotions, show action, and move their puppets effectively. Fine motor skills were strengthened through manipulating puppets, crafting props, and managing the coordination required to perform scenes.\r\nAcademically, puppetry became a powerful extension of our literacy and theater arts curriculum. Students deepened their understanding of story elements such as character, setting, and plot by actively building these components into their performances. Rather than simply reading or listening to stories, they became the storytellers. This hands-on, interactive approach strengthened comprehension, sequencing skills, and their ability to retell stories in their own words. It reinforced theater concepts as well, helping students practice movement, voice, expression, and audience awareness in age-appropriate ways.\r\nPerhaps the most meaningful impact of this project was the confidence it inspired in every child. Whether a student is shy, outgoing, verbal, or expressive in other ways, puppetry offers an accessible entry point for participation. Children who might hesitate to stand in front of a class found comfort performing from behind a stage. Those who love performing were able to shine in new and creative ways. Every student had a chance to feel proud, be heard, and contribute something special to our classroom.\r\nUltimately, the puppet theater project transformed our learning environment into a vibrant space of imagination, collaboration, and joyful expression. It gave students the freedom to explore storytelling, the courage to share their ideas, and the opportunity to grow academically, socially, and creatively. This project truly made a lasting difference for our students, enriching their learning experience in ways that will continue to support them long after the curtains close.","fullyFundedDate":1763381840441,"projectUrl":"project/puppet-show/9828194/","projectTitle":"Puppet Show!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scamardella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2051833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1457823319034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-scamardella"},{"teacherId":2051833,"projectId":9300873,"letterContent":"This project has made an incredibly meaningful impact on the students in our Summer Rising program by supporting their motivation, engagement, and overall enjoyment throughout the summer months. Summer learning can be challenging for many students, especially when routines shift and school days feel different from the traditional year. Having fun, thoughtful incentives such as rubber ducks, colorful keychains, and delicious snacks has transformed our program into a joyful, encouraging space where students feel recognized, motivated, and excited to participate each day.\r\nThese small rewards played a much larger role than one might expect. For students, receiving a rubber duck or a vibrant keychain was more than just getting a prize—it was a moment of celebration and acknowledgment. Each item represented a student's hard work, positive behavior, or effort to grow academically and socially. These tangible incentives became symbols of success, reinforcing that their achievements were seen and valued. Whether a student demonstrated kindness, participated actively, or made progress toward a personal goal, these rewards helped highlight and honor those moments.\r\nRubber ducks quickly became a program favorite. Students loved their playful designs and enjoyed collecting different styles. This created a fun sense of accomplishment and sparked friendly conversations among peers. The keychains added another layer of excitement, giving students something they could display proudly on their backpacks or use as personal tokens of achievement. These small but meaningful items helped build a culture of positivity and motivation, encouraging students to continue demonstrating their best selves.\r\nThe snacks—cookies, chips, and other tasty treats—added warmth, comfort, and joy to our daily routines. For many students, having access to a snack made the long summer days more manageable and enjoyable. Snacks were used intentionally to acknowledge effort, participation, and improvement, and they also helped build community within the group. Sharing a snack or earning one for demonstrating good choices created moments of connection, gratitude, and celebration. These treats supported students' well-being and helped sustain their energy and focus throughout the program.\r\nBeyond the rewards themselves, this project strengthened the overall environment of the Summer Rising program. Students felt cared for and supported in ways that encouraged them to take risks, try new activities, and remain engaged in their learning. The incentives helped create a positive feedback loop: the more students participated and demonstrated good behavior, the more they felt motivated to continue doing so. This fostered not only academic engagement but also social-emotional growth, teamwork, and confidence.\r\nMost importantly, the generosity behind this project showed students that their community believes in them. Your support made it possible to bring moments of joy, pride, and encouragement into their summer experience. These thoughtful incentives helped make each day feel special and meaningful, ensuring that students stayed motivated and excited to come to our program.\r\nThank you for helping make this summer one to remember. Your contribution made a lasting difference by creating an uplifting, engaging environment where students could learn, grow, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746787048396,"projectUrl":"project/summer-incentives/9300873/","projectTitle":"Summer Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scamardella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2051833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1457823319034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-scamardella"},{"teacherId":2051833,"projectId":8529333,"letterContent":"This project has made a tremendous and meaningful impact on my students, supporting both their well-being and their daily success in the classroom. By providing a variety of snacks and fun, engaging school supplies, we were able to address important needs that directly influence students' ability to learn, focus, and feel cared for throughout the day. These simple but thoughtful items—crackers, fruit snacks, cereal, and smelly pencils—have truly enhanced the learning environment and helped our students thrive.\r\nMany of our students arrive at school hungry or become hungry again as the morning progresses. Hunger can create a significant barrier to learning, making it difficult for students to concentrate, stay engaged, or feel comfortable participating. Having accessible snacks available throughout the day has empowered students to take care of their physical needs without feeling embarrassed or distracted. Whether they needed an alternative to the breakfast offered in the cafeteria or simply needed a small boost of energy to stay focused, these snacks helped ensure that students were ready and able to learn.\r\nThe assortment of crackers, cereal, and fruit snacks was welcomed with joy and gratitude. Students appreciated having choices, especially when they preferred something different from the daily breakfast option. This flexibility helped them feel seen, respected, and supported. It also eliminated unnecessary stress or discomfort that can arise when students do not like or cannot eat the cafeteria offerings. With these snacks available, the classroom became an even more nurturing space—one where students knew their needs mattered.\r\nBeyond supporting physical well-being, this project also brought a sense of excitement and fun into our daily routines through the inclusion of smelly pencils. These fruit-scented pencils quickly became a favorite among the students. Something as small as a pencil with a delightful smell transformed ordinary assignments into enjoyable experiences. Students were eager to use them during writing activities, independent work, and even note-taking. These pencils added an element of novelty and motivation, turning academic tasks into something students looked forward to completing.\r\nThe positive impact extends beyond individual students. The snacks and supplies helped strengthen our classroom community by fostering a culture of care, generosity, and shared joy. When students feel physically cared for and emotionally supported, their confidence grows. They engage more willingly, participate more openly, and approach learning with a healthier mindset. This project helped create more equitable learning opportunities by ensuring that hunger or lack of supplies did not stand in the way of any child's success.\r\nOverall, the snacks and smelly pencils provided through this project have significantly enriched our classroom environment. They addressed essential needs, boosted morale, encouraged academic engagement, and helped students feel valued and supported throughout the school day. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity that made this possible. Thank you for helping create a warm, welcoming, and joyful space where all students can learn, grow, and succeed. Your support has made a lasting difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1724276147510,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snacks-galore/8529333/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snacks Galore!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scamardella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2051833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1457823319034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-scamardella"},{"teacherId":2051833,"projectId":7261821,"letterContent":"This project has had a deeply meaningful impact on my students, who are an incredibly hardworking and dedicated group of learners. Every day, they walk into the classroom eager to grow, explore new ideas, and challenge themselves academically. Providing them with additional high-interest, highly engaging books has not only strengthened their love for reading, but has also enriched their overall learning experience in ways that extend far beyond our daily lessons.\r\nOne of the greatest benefits of this project has been the expansion of our classroom library with graphic novels and other captivating texts. Many of my students thrive when they have access to visually engaging, accessible, and exciting books, and the addition of new graphic novels has supported them in becoming more confident and enthusiastic readers. These books immediately captured their attention, and students began requesting them during independent reading time on the very first day they arrived. The impact was visible: students who sometimes struggled to stay focused during reading were suddenly fully engaged, eager to share their favorite parts and talk about characters and plot in thoughtful, meaningful ways.\r\nThe \"I Survive\" series has been especially powerful for our class because it aligns directly with our current unit on natural disasters. As we learn about the science behind these events—how they occur, the effects they have on communities, and the stories of resilience that follow—these books provide a narrative lens that deepens students' understanding. They allow learners to emotionally connect with the events we study, helping them see the human experience behind the facts. This has made our discussions richer, our lessons more grounded, and our students more empathetic and thoughtful as they analyze both the scientific and human elements of natural disasters.\r\nStudents have been quick to draw connections between the texts and our lessons. They eagerly reference events from the books during class conversations, demonstrating not only increased comprehension but also genuine engagement. These texts have helped bridge academic content with compelling storytelling, reinforcing the idea that reading is a powerful way to learn about the world.\r\nThe addition of Dog Man graphic novels has brought another layer of excitement and joy to our reading block. My students are huge fans of this series, and having these books available has turned independent reading into something they truly look forward to each day. The humor, illustrations, and fast-paced storytelling capture their attention and provide an inviting entry point for reluctant readers. It has been wonderful to see students relax, laugh, and bond over their shared love of these books. Moments like these build a positive classroom culture where reading feels fun, social, and deeply valued.\r\nOverall, this project has transformed our reading environment. It has empowered students to choose books they love, supported their academic learning, and encouraged them to view reading as an enjoyable part of their daily lives. Thank you for helping make such a meaningful difference for my students. Your support has enriched their education and inspired them in countless ways.","fullyFundedDate":1680646880728,"projectUrl":"project/a-novel-idea/7261821/","projectTitle":"A Novel Idea","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scamardella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2051833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1457823319034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-scamardella"},{"teacherId":2051833,"projectId":9300950,"letterContent":"As we wrap up the school year and look ahead to summer, I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the powerful impact that our end-of-year incentives have had on my students. These thoughtful items—engaging books, fun sunglasses, and well-earned snacks—did far more than simply mark the end of a long academic year. They created moments of joy, boosted students' confidence, and reinforced the message that learning continues beyond the classroom walls.\r\nThe books, in particular, made an immediate and meaningful difference. Many students expressed excitement as they explored their new stories, flipping through the pages and sharing predictions with their peers. For several of them, receiving a brand-new book of their own was a rare and special experience. The sense of ownership and pride they felt helped spark genuine enthusiasm for reading. For students who may not always have access to books at home, this gift opened a door to imagination, curiosity, and continued literacy development. It also helped counter the \"summer slide\" by encouraging them to keep reading independently during the months away from school.\r\nOne student told me that she planned to read her book every night before bed, while another said he couldn't wait to read his to a younger sibling. These small but meaningful comments showed how deeply the books resonated with them and how these incentives helped cultivate a culture of reading that will extend into their summer routines.\r\nThe sunglasses brought an unexpected—and joyful—burst of excitement. Students loved trying them on, showing them off to friends, and imagining themselves wearing them on summer adventures. While simple, these sunglasses helped build a sense of celebration and allowed students to feel seen, appreciated, and ready for the fun ahead. They became symbolic of the transition from the structured school year to the freedom and warmth of summer, while still being connected to positive memories from our classroom.\r\nThe snacks added an extra touch of care that students truly appreciated. For many, the treats felt like a reward for their hard work, persistence, and growth throughout the year. Sharing snacks together allowed the class to come together in a warm, communal moment, celebrating accomplishments and reflecting on how far they've come. These shared experiences strengthened our classroom community and gave students one more joyful memory to carry into the break.\r\nCollectively, these end-of-year incentives helped foster a sense of connection, encouragement, and celebration. They reminded students that they are valued not only for their academic progress but for who they are as individuals. The gifts supported their learning, enriched their emotional well-being, and gave them tools and motivation to continue growing over the summer.\r\nThank you for supporting this effort and helping us finish the year strong. Your generosity made a lasting difference in the lives of our students, uplifting their spirits and inspiring them as they move into the next chapter of their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1752505316573,"projectUrl":"project/end-of-year-incentives/9300950/","projectTitle":"End of Year Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scamardella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2051833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1457823319034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-scamardella"},{"teacherId":490650,"projectId":9528025,"letterContent":"Having our project fully funded has brought such joy to our school library. The addition of the new decor in our meeting area has not only made the space more cozy, but the students have been excited to be in the space and noticed the difference immediately. This bring such joy to our students in every class. This space is so busy all day every day and it is much nicer that our project was funded. \r\n\r\nThe new games we received have been an excellent way for our students that like to spend lunch in the library to have some fun. When I shared the new games with them the students were so excited. Of course they jumped to their favorite one \"Uno\"! The students were so excited to have a brand new set of cards. Having games available for these students makes their lunch even more enjoyable with friends. \r\n\r\nIn the future we are hoping to continue to add to our library to make it a space that the students always want to be in. Creating a culture where reading is loved is so important to our school and to me. Thank you again for helping fund our project.","fullyFundedDate":1755745670140,"projectUrl":"project/library-revamp/9528025/","projectTitle":"Library Revamp","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spitalieri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp490650_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517100779387","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misszablocki"},{"teacherId":6152125,"projectId":8975355,"letterContent":"I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for your donation to my project, \"Division: It's All About Sharing Fairly.\" These beautiful materials have helped my students understand division in a conceptual way, which has led to a greater understanding of division and has allowed them to extend their thinking to seeing division as an inverse operation of multiplication and to conceptually understand how to interpret and handle remainders. Importantly, since they now have a conceptual understanding of division, they are better prepared to learn division of decimal numbers.\r\n \r\nAll too often, division of whole numbers is taught as a dry, procedural algorithm that students are only able to master via \"drill and kill\" without ever developing a conceptual understanding. As they undertake more complicated tasks or move on to division with decimals and algebraic work with division, they remain mystified about the concept of division, relying solely on procedure. These wonderful materials that you donated allowed my students to experience how division is simply \"sharing fairly\" and sharing is something all students have some experience with! Thank you so much for your generous donation!","fullyFundedDate":1732812858528,"projectUrl":"project/division-its-all-about-sharing-fairly/8975355/","projectTitle":"Division: It's All About Sharing Fairly!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Porcu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6152125_orig.jpg?crop=636,636,x10,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673209233918","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vivian-porcu"},{"teacherId":8162084,"projectId":8806462,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Your donation has made a meaningful impact in our classroom. It has helped create a more organized, welcoming, and efficient learning space where everything runs more smoothly day to day.\r\n\r\nHaving the right resources available has allowed me to focus more on teaching and less on managing challenges that come from not having what's needed. It's made my planning more effective and my instruction more engaging.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and support are deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping make a difference in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1733760622556,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-charge-empowering-learning/8806462/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Charge: Empowering Learning with a Charging Station.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elayan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8162084_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696125340738","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/selayan"},{"teacherId":8162084,"projectId":9076730,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us get a classroom printer! You may be surprised by how big of a difference this technology has made for my kindergarteners.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the printer daily to create colorful learning materials, individualized student work, anchor charts, and take-home resources. Instead of waiting days to get something printed, I can now instantly provide students with what they need in the moment—whether it's a new math center, a phonics game, or a reward certificate that celebrates their hard work.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been seeing their names and work printed out in real time. One student gasped and said, \"Wait—that's mine? You made that just for me?\" It was such a joyful moment that showed how even something small, like a name on a worksheet or a printed photo from an activity, can make a child feel so special and seen.\r\n\r\nOne of my students who struggles with focus has especially connected with the printed visual schedules we've been able to make. Having that daily structure printed out just for him has made a noticeable difference in his confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we're not only saving time—we're making every moment count. Your gift has helped me bring lessons to life, support all learners, and create a more organized and engaging classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1737852040022,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-a-color-print/9076730/","projectTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life: A Color Printer for the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elayan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8162084_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696125340738","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/selayan"},{"teacherId":8162084,"projectId":9076713,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support! Your donation of cleaning supplies has truly made a difference in our kindergarten classroom. As a new teacher in a high-need school, your help has not only lightened the load for me but has also directly supported the health and comfort of my students.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment we received the cleaning supplies, my students noticed how clean and fresh our classroom felt. They were so curious and excited, asking questions like, \"Why does our room smell so nice?\" and \"Did we get new stuff to clean?\" It was such a sweet moment, and it showed me how much they care about their environment—even at five years old!\r\n\r\nWe've been using these supplies daily to keep our classroom tidy and safe. The students are learning responsibility and teamwork by helping wipe down their tables after snack time and organizing their learning spaces. It's become a routine that they take pride in, and it helps create a calm, clean space for them to focus and grow.\r\n\r\nAs we move into our next units of learning, having a clean environment is even more important. Whether we're exploring numbers in math or diving into our reading program, the clean, organized classroom you helped provide makes it all possible.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving us the tools we needed to create a healthy, happy space for learning. Your kindness means so much to all of us.","fullyFundedDate":1737682531015,"projectUrl":"project/organize-sanitize-classroom-essential/9076713/","projectTitle":"Organize & Sanitize: Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elayan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8162084_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696125340738","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/selayan"},{"teacherId":8162084,"projectId":8832548,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the headphones. It was such a game changer in my classroom.\r\nMy students are so grateful and thankful. Transitioning with my laptops and headphones takes minutes now that everyone has a pair. Thank you for the kind donation. My kindergarten students love how colorful and comfortable they are. \r\nThanks to you, my students now have access to cutting-edge technology that enhances their learning in numerous ways. These headphones are helping our students engage more deeply with their studies, develop crucial digital skills, and prepare for the technology-driven world they'll enter after graduation.\r\nWe're especially thankful for the new headphones you've provided. These have been a game-changer for many of our students, particularly those who benefit from audio-based learning or need a quiet environment to focus. The headphones allow for personalized learning experiences and have been especially helpful for our language learners and students with special needs.","fullyFundedDate":1728337009608,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-please/8832548/","projectTitle":"Headphones Please","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elayan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8162084_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696125340738","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/selayan"},{"teacherId":3657119,"projectId":8620104,"letterContent":"We were so happy to be able to include a cozy corner in the art studio. It has become a wonderful addition to our space. Children know they can freely utilize this area to relax or decompress with a great art book or story. \r\n All classroom in our school have a cozy corner and now even the art studio has one... Artists sometimes need a little break to regroup and then continue with their creativity too!\r\n The artists are so very thankful for your generosity and are appreciative of your ongoing support to the arts in our school.","fullyFundedDate":1726776979004,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corner-for-a-studio/8620104/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corner for a Studio","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Withers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3657119_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1580612012024","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3657119"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1148","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":377,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":63,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"8.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.7,"schoolId":1148,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 16 John J Driscoll on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 16 John J Driscoll","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-16-john-driscoll/1148"}