{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 169M Robert F Kennedy","outOfStateSupporters":38.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9916388,"projectId":9726258,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my class with snacks! We now have full tummies throughout the school day which allows us to focus on learning. There are also no more tears when it comes to snack time since we all have something to eat. Not only have you given us food, but provided us with opportunities to practice life skills. We are rotating through one snack a day and working through the feeling of disappointment when it isn't time for our favorite snack. We practice saying yes or no if we want a snack. Finally, we get to practice making choices when there is more than one option!","fullyFundedDate":1762874891558,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack/9726258/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leigh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916388_orig.png?crop=1170,1170,x0,y42&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758131564270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9916388"},{"teacherId":10099542,"projectId":9716990,"letterContent":"We've already begun using the snacks and cleaning essentials every day, and they've made such a meaningful difference. Many of my students have specific food sensitivities, so having safe, reliable snacks helps them stay regulated and ready to learn. During a recent morning literacy block, several students who usually struggle to stay engaged participated for much longer simply because they had access to a preferred snack that kept them calm and focused.\r\nThe cleaning supplies help us maintain a safe, comfortable environment—something especially important for students with sensory needs. Knowing the space is clean helps them feel secure and ready to participate.\r\nMy students were so excited when they first saw the materials. Some recognized their favorite snacks immediately and smiled, vocalized, or clapped. Others used gestures or their communication devices to request items. Having snacks they know are safe brought them so much joy and comfort.\r\nNext, we're continuing to build independence, communication, and social skills. These snacks and supplies support structured communication activities where students practice requesting using verbal language, gestures, or AAC devices. They also help us maintain a sensory-friendly space for literacy, math, and life-skills lessons.\r\nOverall, these resources help create the steady, supportive environment our students need to thrive. Thank you so much for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759868054259,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-suds-supporting-students-with/9716990/","projectTitle":"Snacks & Suds: Supporting Students with Care","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10099542_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755359251346","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10099542"},{"teacherId":8995231,"projectId":9674518,"letterContent":"When the snack boxes arrived, my students' faces lit up with excitement and curiosity! The classroom was filled with smiles as they eagerly helped organize the different snacks and talked about their favorites. These snacks have become more than just a treat they've helped keep students focused and motivated throughout the day. For many of my students, a small snack between lessons gives them the energy they need to stay engaged and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the snack program, I've noticed an increase in attention during reading and math groups, especially in the afternoon when energy levels tend to dip. Instead of feeling tired or distracted, students now take a short \"snack break,\" refuel, and then return to their work ready to participate. It's been amazing to see how something as simple as a snack can help support academic success and positive classroom behavior.\r\n\r\nNext, my students and I plan to continue connecting healthy habits with learning by using snack time as a chance to talk about nutrition, sharing, and making responsible choices. Thank you for giving them this boost your generosity not only filled their tummies but also helped build a more focused and happy classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1759774357534,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-future-leaders/9674518/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Barnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8995231"},{"teacherId":8995231,"projectId":9688497,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! The day your donated materials arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled there was so much excitement and curiosity in the room. When they saw the fidget toys, STEM kits, and sensory tools, one student exclaimed, \"This is the best day ever!\" These resources have already made a big impact in both learning and classroom engagement. We recently completed a \"Sink or Float\" investigation using the new science station. Students loved making predictions and testing various objects they were so engaged, it hardly felt like a lesson! Our Engineer A Coaster kit turned into a full blown design challenge, with students collaborating to build and improve their marble roller coasters. The sensory tools have also made a noticeable difference in helping students stay calm, focused, and ready to learn throughout the day.\r\n\r\nNext, we're using the Solar System Viewer and fidget solar toys to kick off our space science unit. Thank you again for bringing these experiences to life you've helped create a more engaging, inclusive, and joyful classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1757539746966,"projectUrl":"project/fidgets-focus-and-future-scientists/9688497/","projectTitle":"Fidgets, Focus, and Future Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Barnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8995231"},{"teacherId":2360177,"projectId":9131994,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the AAC devices and voice recording buttons! My students are using the device to request things that they want, such as, \"I want blocks.\" They are also asking questions, such as \"Can I have more snack?\" \"Can I go to the bathroom?\" and \"Can I play with Lego's?\" They are using the device throughout the school day. It supports them with reading stories, participating in class activities, and communicating with their friends. Because of you, you have given my students a voice and they feel confident and successful.","fullyFundedDate":1750864918160,"projectUrl":"project/lets-give-em-something-to-talk-about/9131994/","projectTitle":"\"Let's Give 'Em Something to Talk About...\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curcio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2360177_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740078055397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2360177"},{"teacherId":2360177,"projectId":9305049,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. My students are tutoring and supporting other students in the community. They are reading to students and teaching them how to read! They are also working with students on their social-emotional skills by teaching them to recognize their feelings and self-regulate their emotions. The emotion plush toys and fidget bends are a big hit and a great tool to introduce emotions and feelings. Thank you for helping my students find joy and passion in helping other students and learning what it feels like be be a kind and compassionate person in society.","fullyFundedDate":1749144065077,"projectUrl":"project/promoting-kindness-by-working-on-our-soc/9305049/","projectTitle":"Promoting Kindness by Working on Our Social-Emotional Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curcio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2360177_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740078055397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2360177"},{"teacherId":2360177,"projectId":9359017,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. My students are enjoying the books very much. They \"read\" everyday now! When the materials arrived, my students faces lit up. They were so excited to receive books, as our classroom did not have any. Initially, my students grabbed the books and started tearing through the pages. I realized that my students did not know how to use them appropriately. It had occurred to me that some of them have never held a book before. It was a wonderful learning moment, as it provided me the opportunity to teach my students how to hold and use a book. It also provided middle school students the opportunity to teach younger students how to hold a book and read. We are now working on \"reading\" by choosing a story and carefully turning the pages to read the book. The younger students select a story and the middle school students read to the younger students. Our next step is for the middle school students to teach younger students reading strategies to help them become better readers.","fullyFundedDate":1747932017704,"projectUrl":"project/leading-with-literacy/9359017/","projectTitle":"Leading with Literacy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curcio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2360177_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740078055397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2360177"},{"teacherId":8995231,"projectId":9178244,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new materials brought a huge smile to our classroom! My students were especially excited about the felt boards they immediately began placing characters and shapes to create stories, retell familiar books, and even invent their own narratives. The foldable and wall-hanging felt boards have become a go-to center for language development, creativity, and social interaction. It's incredible to see how engaged even our quietest learners become when given a hands-on, visual way to express themselves.\r\n\r\nThe practical supplies like the laminating sheets, paper towels, and wipes have helped keep our classroom clean, safe, and organized all while protecting our learning materials so they can be used again and again. The addition of a floor fan has made our classroom environment more comfortable, especially during warmer days when focus tends to slip. These small touches have made a big difference in our ability to learn and stay on task.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to laminate student-created felt stories to display on a storytelling wall and use the felt boards during circle time for interactive lessons in math, literacy, and social-emotional learning. Because of your support, our classroom is more engaging, more functional, and full of joy. Thank you for giving my students the tools to learn, express, and grow every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1746785237195,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-stories-to-life-hands-on-learn/9178244/","projectTitle":"Bringing Stories to Life: Hands-On Learning with Felt Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Barnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8995231"},{"teacherId":8995231,"projectId":9071364,"letterContent":"The moment our new resources arrived, my students were full of excitement and curiosity. They were immediately drawn to the Lakeshore Science Viewers and STEM Magnet Station, eagerly exploring how magnets attract and repel. We've already used them in a small group experiment where students tested which classroom objects were magnetic their eyes lit up when they made predictions and confirmed their hypotheses. It's amazing how engaged they become when learning is hands-on and fun.\r\n\r\nThe sensory materials have made a huge difference in our classroom environment. The JellyBoards, sensory sand, and color-changing putty have helped students regulate their energy and emotions throughout the day. I've noticed calmer transitions, more focus during tasks, and even a few students asking for the fidget tools before they get overwhelmed a big step in their self-awareness. Our new feelings chart has also been a great tool for helping students identify and express how they feel, making it easier to manage group time and emotional regulation.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're working on a science unit where students will build their own magnetic creations using the blocks and wands. The magnetic bingo chips have already sparked ideas for sorting and counting games that tie into both math and SEL goals. These materials don't just support academic learning they help build confidence, communication, and independence. Your generosity has made our classroom feel more inclusive, engaging, and joyful. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1745684129006,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-minds-with-sensory-and-stem-ad/9071364/","projectTitle":"\"Engaging Minds with Sensory and STEM Adventures!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Barnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8995231"},{"teacherId":7813496,"projectId":8741587,"letterContent":"The therapy swing that you got for us is changing lives every single day! We use the swing daily in the sensory gym with 10-20 students a day. When the students first saw the swing in our new space, they were very excited and eager to use it! We have spent the last few months really teaching them how to use it safely and properly, as well as designing custom plans for each student based on their unique sensory processing needs. \r\n Before we got the swing, many of our students were non-verbal and/or would imitate speech patterns, but not in a functional way. As therapists, we know that the vestibular system is not just about balance. We know that it helps us process information within our environment, including auditory information and language. When the vestibular system is functioning optimally, it supports language development and communication. Several studies have shown that the right kinds of vestibular stimulation can lead to increased spontaneous verbal language. Our hope was that a swing would allow us to use the vestibular system (semi-circular canals in the ears) in the most efficient way in order to increase language, balance, auditory processing, spatial navigation, safety awareness, learning memory, and decrease gravitational insecurity. As the weeks have ticked by, and our students have consistently had access to proper vestibular input, we have noticed INCREDIBLE progress! Most of our students have begun using language both functionally and/or by imitation to indicate needs or wants. Our student's balance has improved and they are able to demonstrate increased safety and ability to navigate the stairs at school. Several students have improved their spatial awareness/navigation and no longer bump into or trip over objects in their paths because they now understand where their body is in relation to those objects. Several students demonstrated gravitational insecurity (fear and resistance to their feet leaving the ground) which can make functioning at school very difficult; however, through use of the swing and different attachments, every student that demonstrated gravitational insecurity prior to the use of the swing in treatment, no longer demonstrates those same fears! \r\n We knew that this level of progress and development was possible if we had the right equipment, and you ALL made our dreams come true! The donation of this therapy swing has made a huge impact on our students and their families already, and will continue to do so for many years into the future! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1735667044854,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-swing-into-the-new-school-year/8741587/","projectTitle":"Help Us Swing Into the New School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7813496_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y206&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725555826163","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/occupationaltherapy-jh"},{"teacherId":2360177,"projectId":9107336,"letterContent":"Your donation made a tremendous impact on my Autistic students. My students were SO excited to see the crash pad. Their faces lit up! They now have a safe space to engage in play and high-energy activities, like jumping, rolling and crawling. The best part is that they have so much fun while doing it! The crash pad gives them propioceptive input, which is calming and regulating for my students. Thank you for making such a difference in their day-to-day life. All of this input is crucial for their sensory and occupational therapy needs.","fullyFundedDate":1740251153277,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-place-to-crash/9107336/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Place to Crash","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curcio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2360177_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740078055397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2360177"},{"teacherId":8995231,"projectId":9070761,"letterContent":"The arrival of the snacks has made such a positive impact on my students' daily routines! Every day, they look forward to their snack break, which gives them the energy they need to stay focused and engaged in learning. Whether it's working through a math problem, participating in a hands-on science activity, or simply getting through a long day, these snacks provide a much-needed boost. Many of my students rely on school for meals, and having these extra snacks available ensures that no child is distracted by hunger.\r\n\r\nWhen the snack boxes arrived, the excitement in the room was incredible! My students' faces lit up as they saw the variety of options, eagerly discussing their favorites. It has not only become a source of nourishment but also a way to build community in the classroom. They love choosing a snack and sharing their thoughts on what they enjoy most. This small moment of joy helps create a more positive and comfortable learning environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these snacks will continue to support my students as they tackle new challenges in their lessons. With their basic needs met, they can stay focused on developing their reading, math, and problem-solving skills. Thanks to your generosity, they are not just learning—they are thriving. I am incredibly grateful for your kindness and support in helping my students succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1741708261278,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-and-bodies-snacks-for-foc/9070761/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds and Bodies: Snacks for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Barnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8995231"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7781","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":257,"numTeachers":64,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":53,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":"4.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.3,"schoolId":7781,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 169M Robert F Kennedy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 169M Robert F Kennedy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-169-the-robert-f-kennedy-school/7781"}