{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 161 Juan Ponce De Leon","outOfStateSupporters":30.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9842110,"projectId":9165995,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Tune in and Turn Pages: A Listening and Reading Journey.\" Because of your generosity, my students have access to engaging books and listening resources that are helping them strengthen their literacy skills while fostering a genuine love of reading. Having these materials available has made reading more accessible and enjoyable for learners with a variety of learning styles and abilities.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, students use the books and audio resources during independent reading, small-group instruction, and listening centers. The combination of hearing and seeing stories has improved comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and confidence. Students are more eager to participate in discussions, make connections to texts, and share their thoughts with classmates. The resources have helped create a positive reading environment where every student can experience success.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding outcomes has been watching reluctant readers become more engaged with books. Students who previously struggled to stay focused during reading time are now excited to listen, follow along, and discuss what they have learned. Your support has opened new opportunities for my students to grow as readers and lifelong learners. Thank you for making a lasting impact on our classroom and for believing in our students' potential.","fullyFundedDate":1744212489375,"projectUrl":"project/tune-in-and-turn-pages-a-listening-and/9165995/","projectTitle":"Tune in and Turn Pages: a Listening and Reading Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Humphrey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9842110"},{"teacherId":7182467,"projectId":10290216,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students received special summer buckets filled with snacks, bubbles, and fun treats to celebrate their hard work throughout the school year. Many of my students were excited and surprised when they received their buckets. Their smiles and enthusiasm made the end of the year even more memorable.\r\n\r\nThese gifts served as a celebration of their perseverance, growth, and accomplishments. Throughout the year, my students worked hard to overcome academic and personal challenges, and the summer buckets helped them feel recognized and appreciated for their efforts.\r\n\r\nAs our students begin summer break, we hope these items encourage outdoor play, family time, and positive memories. Your support helped us end the school year on a joyful note and reminded our students that there are people beyond our classroom who care about their success and happiness. Thank you for making a lasting impact on our students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1780093116035,"projectUrl":"project/buckets-full-of-summer-joy/10290216/","projectTitle":"Buckets Full of Summer Joy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Begum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7182467_orig.jpg?crop=2499,2499,x1370,y524&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746548579097","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7182467"},{"teacherId":7182467,"projectId":10230519,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting our classroom. Your generosity has already made a positive impact on my students.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, my students were excited and grateful. They immediately noticed the portable cooling fans and were eager to use them during the warmer days. The hand soap and wipes have helped us maintain a clean and healthy classroom environment, while the ice packs have been useful for minor bumps and scrapes during recess and school trips. The gum has been a special treat that helps students feel refreshed and ready to focus.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment was during a recent outdoor activity when students were able to stay cool and comfortable using the portable fans. Having these resources available allowed them to remain engaged and enjoy the experience without being distracted by the heat.\r\n\r\nAs we finish the school year and participate in end-of-year activities and trips, these supplies will continue to support our students' health, comfort, and well-being. Looking ahead, we will continue building positive habits around personal responsibility, self-care, and classroom community. Thanks to your support, my students have the resources they need to feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and investment in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n\r\nMs. Begum and Students\r\nPS 161","fullyFundedDate":1777917899548,"projectUrl":"project/cool-clean-ready-summer-essentials-fo/10230519/","projectTitle":"Cool, Clean, Ready: Summer Essentials for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Begum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7182467_orig.jpg?crop=2499,2499,x1370,y524&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746548579097","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7182467"},{"teacherId":7182467,"projectId":10053139,"letterContent":"Your generosity has already made a meaningful impact in our classroom and school community. Students are now using the coats, care items, and snacks during the school day as needed. These resources are available not only for our class, but for any student in the school who may need support, helping ensure that no child goes without basic comfort and care.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were excited and grateful. Many immediately recognized how helpful the items would be, especially on cold days or when they needed a quick snack or basic care supplies. It created a sense of comfort knowing that their needs would be met and that someone cared enough to support them.\r\n\r\nWe are currently continuing our learning focused on building strong math and literacy skills, and these resources help students stay focused and engaged. When students are warm, fed, and comfortable, they are better able to concentrate, participate, and take pride in their learning. Moving forward, students will continue using these supports daily as part of our classroom routines and school-wide care system, helping us maintain a safe, supportive environment where every child can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1772550450138,"projectUrl":"project/wrapped-in-warmth-ready-to-learn/10053139/","projectTitle":"Wrapped in Warmth, Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Begum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7182467_orig.jpg?crop=2499,2499,x1370,y524&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746548579097","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7182467"},{"teacherId":10003440,"projectId":9691439,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom. My students were thrilled as each package arrived, eagerly opening them one by one. These resources have made a meaningful difference and have become wonderful additions to our learning environment.\r\n\r\nOur cozy corner truly feels complete with the addition of the floor cushion, pillow cases, and the variety of fidgets we received. These tools have been incredibly helpful for students who need support with self-regulation and focus. More importantly, the space has grown into a safe, welcoming area for everyone, helping us nurture a calm and inclusive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nDuring small group time, one of the students' favorite activities is playing Splash—a game made possible through the generosity of our donors.\r\n\r\nCarpet lessons have become much smoother with the addition of student lap trays. Each student now has their own, which has been incredibly exciting for them. These trays help students stay comfortably on the carpet, close to the board and teachers, while completing both independent and partner work. They've also improved the overall flow of our day by making transitions more seamless and accessible for everyone. An added benefit has been organization, as students can keep their books and materials neatly stored in their designated lap trays.\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you for providing me with the opportunity to bring in the resources my students need and value. Your support has played a meaningful role in enhancing their learning and overall success in our classroom this year.","fullyFundedDate":1766931217713,"projectUrl":"project/accessibility-to-education/9691439/","projectTitle":"Accessibility to Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pinto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10003440_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757170700889","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10003440"},{"teacherId":7182467,"projectId":9803795,"letterContent":"The snack donations have made a meaningful difference in our classroom, helping students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. Items like apple sauce, Pringles, cookies, Nutella, and popcorn have become part of our daily routine, especially during transitions or after long periods of instruction. One special moment was during a small-group reading activity when students were able to enjoy a quick snack while discussing the text this simple addition helped them stay engaged longer and participate more confidently. For many of our students, having access to these snacks also provides comfort and a sense of care, which positively impacts their overall attitude toward school.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the snacks, their excitement and gratitude were immediate they felt seen, supported, and valued. It created a warm classroom environment where students were eager to learn and more willing to take academic risks. As we move forward, we plan to continue incorporating snack breaks as part of our structured learning time, especially during writing and math workshops where focus and stamina are key. These donations are not just snacks they are tools that support our students' well-being and academic growth, helping them build the energy and confidence they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1763995226380,"projectUrl":"project/snack-smiles-and-focused-minds/9803795/","projectTitle":"Snack Smiles and Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Begum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7182467_orig.jpg?crop=2499,2499,x1370,y524&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746548579097","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7182467"},{"teacherId":7182467,"projectId":9743517,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students are now enjoying their new fidget toys and the impact has been immediate. We introduced the tools during morning work and small-group instruction, and the excitement on their faces was priceless. Many students picked up a fidget and said, \"This helps me focus!\" or \"I love this one!\" It was clear from the very first moments that these materials were going to make a real difference.\r\n\r\nWe are already seeing improvements in focus, calmness, and engagement. Students who often struggled to stay still during lessons are now using their fidgets to channel energy in a more productive way, helping them stay present and participate more confidently. One of our favorite moments was during a reading activity when a student who usually gets easily frustrated held a fidget in one hand and proudly finished an entire passage without stopping.\r\n\r\nThese tools will continue to support our students during independent work, partner activities, and transitions times that can be especially challenging for those who need sensory input. Our next steps are to teach students how to use the fidgets responsibly and incorporate them into mindfulness practices, helping everyone build stronger focus and self-regulation skills.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our class the chance to learn, calm, and create with purpose. Your kindness is making every day brighter in our classroom","fullyFundedDate":1759582591037,"projectUrl":"project/play-with-purpose-supporting-focus-cr/9743517/","projectTitle":"Play with Purpose: Supporting Focus & Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Begum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7182467_orig.jpg?crop=2499,2499,x1370,y524&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746548579097","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7182467"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_276","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":296,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":19,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":77,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"7.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.7,"schoolId":276,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 161 Juan Ponce De Leon on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 161 Juan Ponce De Leon","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-161-ponce-de-leon/276"}