{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 17 Henry David Thoreau","outOfStateSupporters":46.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5476056,"projectId":9252250,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our kindergarten graduation project. Because of you, our graduation celebration was truly extra special.\r\n\r\nThe little bears you helped provide were included in each child's end-of-year graduation gift bag, and they brought so many smiles. For our students, these bears are more than just a favor—they are something to hold on to, a keepsake that represents their kindergarten year and the hard work they put in to reach this milestone.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helped create a meaningful moment for our students and their families, and it will be remembered long after graduation day. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our young learners.\r\n\r\nWith sincere thanks! A very thankful kindergarten class and teacher.","fullyFundedDate":1746530008856,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-graduation-favors/9252250/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Graduation Favors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Christiana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5476056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603506042493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5476056"},{"teacherId":5861568,"projectId":5152140,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous support of our \"Back to the Basics\" project. When this project was first envisioned in 2020, our classroom was facing an unprecedented set of challenges. The transition back to in-person learning during a global pandemic was filled with uncertainty, but your kindness provided a much-needed sense of security for my students, their families, and myself.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes of supplies—filled with face masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and individual storage containers—finally arrived, the reaction from the students was one of immense relief and excitement. While face masks and sanitizer might seem like \"basic\" utilities, to my students, they represented the ability to safely interact with their peers again. I remember the morning we unboxed the individual storage bins; the students were so eager to organize their own personal \"safety stations.\" They took great pride in knowing they had their own sterile space where their supplies would remain separate and protected. It turned a moment of anxiety into a lesson on personal responsibility and community care.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these resources every single day to maintain a healthy learning environment. The hand sanitizer has become a seamless part of our classroom transitions, and the face shields have been particularly transformative during our phonics and reading lessons. Being able to see each other's faces while staying protected allowed us to maintain that vital human connection that is so often lost behind a standard mask. The individual storage units have been a game-changer for classroom management; by keeping everyone's supplies separate, we significantly reduced the risk of cross-contamination and gave each child a sense of \"ownership\" over their small corner of the room.\r\n\r\nYour contribution provided more than just physical tools; it provided the mental peace of mind necessary for actual learning to occur. It is difficult for a child to focus on mathematics or literacy when they are worried about their health or the health of their families. By removing those barriers, you allowed my students to simply be students again.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve using this organized and sterile environment to dive deeper into our collaborative group projects. Now that we have established a safe rhythm and have the supplies necessary to keep our workstations clean, the students are beginning to work on \"socially distanced\" science experiments. We are also using our individual storage bins to house personal \"reflection journals,\" where students can process their experiences during this historic time.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a part of our classroom community during such a pivotal year. Your investment in our health and safety has left a lasting impact that goes far beyond the classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1599609598302,"projectUrl":"project/safe-space/5152140/","projectTitle":"Safe Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafontaine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5861568_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1582934125946","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joinmslafontaine"},{"teacherId":5861568,"projectId":4381870,"letterContent":"It is so meaningful to show donors the direct impact of their generosity. Based on the \"Back to the Basics\" prompt in your screenshot, here is a genuine response you can use:\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our \"Back to the Basics\" project. When the boxes of supplies arrived, my students were incredibly excited to see the brand-new materials. It was like a second first day of school; seeing their eyes light up over simple items like fresh pencils, notebooks, and markers was a powerful reminder of how much these basic tools mean to them.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we are using these resources every single day to support our core lessons. Because of your help, no student has to worry about being unprepared or asking to borrow a pencil. We recently used the new notebooks to start a daily journaling project, and having high-quality materials has given the students a renewed sense of pride in their work.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to use these supplies to create a \"resource station\" where students can independently access what they need for their upcoming creative writing portfolios. Your contribution has removed a significant barrier to learning and created a much more focused and calm environment for my students. We are so grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1568168228723,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-the-basics/4381870/","projectTitle":"Back to the Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafontaine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5861568_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1582934125946","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joinmslafontaine"},{"teacherId":8954290,"projectId":9636351,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now more organized, engaging, and welcoming for all students—especially our English Language Learners. We are using the materials to create clear, colorful learning spaces that highlight daily objectives, anchor charts, and student work. One special moment was unveiling our refreshed bulletin boards and daily schedule area—students immediately noticed the bright colors and asked to help set up labels and cards, which turned into an authentic vocabulary-building opportunity.\r\n\r\nThe organization tools have made a huge difference in how students access materials independently. The transparent photo storage boxes, mesh zipper pouches, and clear project folders are now used to store small group tools, vocabulary cards, and math manipulatives. Students were excited to see their supplies neatly sorted by color and purpose, and several commented that it made it \"easier to find things\". This organization has reduced transition time and increased student confidence and ownership.\r\n\r\nInstructionally, the magnetic pocket chart stand, daily schedule pocket chart, magnetic tape, and acrylic sign holders support clear routines and visual supports. We use them daily to post language objectives, sentence frames, and model responses—critical supports for ELLs. The Astrobrights paper and Sharpie Glam Pop markers have energized writing workshops and small-group projects, where students proudly create and display their work. The magnetic shelf has even helped us keep frequently used tools within reach, keeping our learning spaces tidy and efficient.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue building independence by rotating materials for new units, tracking goals on the pocket charts, and showcasing their writing and projects on our bulletin boards. Your support didn't just provide supplies—it created a structured, joyful environment where students feel motivated, supported, and excited to learn. Thank you for giving our class a space that truly reflects their creativity and potential.","fullyFundedDate":1758898948253,"projectUrl":"project/an-inviting-classroom-for-curious-minds/9636351/","projectTitle":"An Inviting Classroom for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aldana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8954290"},{"teacherId":3246785,"projectId":9717675,"letterContent":"I appreciate your contribution to purchase bilingual books for our classroom. I have enjoyed using them both independently and with peers. Together we listen and repeat the vocabulary words from the card decks. It has been so nice to hear students sing along to Spanish songs while in centers. They feel so excited to hear the second language they are learning and this is so rewarding to see.\r\n\r\nI appreciate the vast majority of materials we get to use daily. Having a variety of materials allows students to think more critically and build more knowledge of what they are learning. Listening and speaking are key foundations at this young age to develop an understanding of another language while strengthening other skills. I thank you for your contribution in making learning another language more fun and hands on. I look forward to seeing the growth and language development of my students for months to come, all in thanks to your generous contributions.","fullyFundedDate":1758898865902,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-preschoolers/9717675/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jennifer Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3246785_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572144654420","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jriv2015"},{"teacherId":5476056,"projectId":9235943,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping our kindergarteners celebrate their graduation in style! Because of your kindness, our students were able to wear graduation gowns—a moment that made them feel proud, special, and celebrated.\r\n\r\nSeeing their bright smiles as they walked across the stage in their gowns was truly priceless. Your generosity not only helped create a memorable milestone for them but also reminded each child that they are valued and loved.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your contribution in making this milestone unforgettable. You gave our little graduates a day they will cherish for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1746553539535,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-graduation-gowns/9235943/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Graduation Gowns!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Christiana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5476056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603506042493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5476056"},{"teacherId":9782991,"projectId":9126974,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of your donation, our dual language third grade class now has a brand-new dry erase board — and it has already made such a difference in our learning.\r\n\r\nEvery day, our classroom is filled with curiosity, collaboration, and two languages at work. With this new dry erase board, we can engage in interactive lessons that help all students — whether we're learning math strategies, this tool has helped make lessons clearer, more visual, and more hands-on. During small groups, we use it to review concepts, brainstorm ideas, and make learning visible for everyone.\r\n\r\nIts mobility allows us to easily transport it around the room, ensuring that all students can engage from different learning spaces. We are deeply appreciative of your continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1743540657035,"projectUrl":"project/dry-erase-board-magic/9126974/","projectTitle":"Dry Erase Board Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9782991_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727528996670","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9782991"},{"teacherId":5861568,"projectId":4802885,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a true treasure chest of books. The excitement on my students' faces as they explore new titles is something I wish you could see firsthand. For many of them, this was the first time they had so many choices at their fingertips—and they dove right in.\r\nReading time now feels different. Students who once hesitated to pick up a book are leaning in, curious to see what happens next in their stories. I've seen stronger discussions around character choices, predictions, and connections to their own lives. Several students have started recommending books to one another, which is building a little reading community within our classroom.\r\nOne student in particular, who often struggled to stay focused, has become captivated by a new series and now asks if he can read \"just one more page\" before moving on. Another has been inspired to start writing her own stories after falling in love with a new author we added to our library. These small moments speak to the power of your gift.\r\nYour support has given my students more than just books—it's given them a sense of joy, confidence, and ownership in their learning. Thank you for believing in the power of stories and for making such a meaningful impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1588707501135,"projectUrl":"project/a-treasure-chest-of-books/4802885/","projectTitle":"A Treasure Chest of Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafontaine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5861568_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1582934125946","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joinmslafontaine"},{"teacherId":5861568,"projectId":4481778,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us bring new books into our classroom. The books have been super helpful in building excitement for reading and giving my students access to stories that match their interests and reading levels. Reading now feels like an adventure, and the new texts have encouraged more participation during literacy time.\r\nWhen the books first arrived, my students could hardly wait to dive in. Some of them immediately gravitated toward stories that reflected their own lives, while others explored brand new worlds and characters. Having these options has helped both reluctant readers and strong readers grow—whether through practicing fluency, building vocabulary, or developing deeper comprehension.\r\nOne of my students, who had been hesitant to read aloud before, now volunteers eagerly during group reading because she connected so strongly with one of the new books. These small moments show just how impactful your generosity has been. Because of you, our classroom library is a place of joy, discovery, and growth.\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support in helping us create a classroom where every child can see themselves as a reader.","fullyFundedDate":1571162878673,"projectUrl":"project/reading-with-dual/4481778/","projectTitle":"Reading with Dual","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafontaine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5861568_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1582934125946","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joinmslafontaine"},{"teacherId":5861568,"projectId":4361258,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our project, Creating a Biliteracy for All. The books you helped provide have been incredibly helpful in building a classroom library that truly meets the needs of my students. They are now able to access stories in both English and Spanish, which has made such a difference in their confidence and excitement for reading.\r\nWhen my students first saw the new books, their faces lit up with joy. They were eager to pick their favorites and couldn't wait to dive into stories that reflected their language and culture. These books have already sparked wonderful discussions, helped strengthen vocabulary, and encouraged even reluctant readers to join in.\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students have resources that will continue to support them as they grow into strong, bilingual readers. Thank you for making this possible and for investing in their education and future.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. Lafontaine","fullyFundedDate":1565751883562,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-biliteracy-for-all/4361258/","projectTitle":"Creating a Biliteracy for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafontaine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5861568_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1582934125946","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joinmslafontaine"},{"teacherId":8954290,"projectId":9326894,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the materials funded by Ripple, their excitement was contagious—they couldn't believe the items were for them and tied to their hard work. We used the paint and canvas sets for a powerful end-of-year \"Reflections Gallery,\" where students painted meaningful memories and shared stories of growth, building confidence and self-expression. The notepads became personal journals for goal-setting and daily reflections, helping students strengthen their writing and self-awareness. The stress balls supported focus and emotional regulation, creating a calmer learning environment. These resources transformed our classroom into a space of celebration, creativity, and reflection, and they gave students the motivation and mindset to carry their progress into the next school year.","fullyFundedDate":1746785707353,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-student-growth-and-inspiring/9326894/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Student Growth and Inspiring the Future!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aldana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8954290"},{"teacherId":8252459,"projectId":9021524,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous contribution to our classroom library. Your support has put inspiring stories, diverse voices, and exciting new worlds into the hands of our students. These books are more than just pages—they are tools for growth, imagination, and learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students can explore, dream, and discover through reading. Your kindness is planting seeds of curiosity and a lifelong love of books in each child. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and belief in the power of education.","fullyFundedDate":1743514154029,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-build-an-engaging-classroom-libr/9021524/","projectTitle":"Help us Build an Engaging Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angeles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8252459_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690554935637","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8252459"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1053","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":609,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":53,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":53.9,"schoolId":1053,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 17 Henry David Thoreau on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 17 Henry David Thoreau","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-17-henry-david-thoreau/1053"}