{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 17 Henry David Thoreau","outOfStateSupporters":46.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":3246785,"projectId":9129667,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation of materials for our students to use to recreate what they see in their community. Our students are using wooden people in the block center and blocks to build their neighborhoods. They are adding the garbage trucks and other vehicles they see on the road on their way to school or when they go home. \r\n\r\nWe enjoy listening to them share about what they notice, what they add, and asking each other questions. They are expanding vocabulary usage and developing language. Its a joy to see this take place every day.","fullyFundedDate":1742948198606,"projectUrl":"project/building-and-creating-a-community/9129667/","projectTitle":"Building and Creating a Community!","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":7523680,"projectId":8981564,"letterContent":"This project was designed to bring mindfulness tools into each classroom. While the original plan was to purchase 4.5\" singing bowls for every class, sourcing challenges and budget constraints required a pivot. No single vendor had the full quantity needed, and splitting the order between two exceeded the grant amount. In response, I carefully sourced slightly smaller bowls from two vendors using quality craftsmanship. Each bowl is made of durable brass and tested for a pure, resonant tone.\r\n\r\nTo help guide their use, I collaborated with students and staff to create an instructional video introducing the bowls and demonstrating how they can be used in the classroom. The goal is to gradually incorporate the bowls schoolwide, encouraging all instructors to use them in their routines. Suggested uses include: as a gentle way to get students' attention, as a transition cue between activities, to signal who has the floor during discussions, and to open or close class circle time. In classrooms where they've been introduced, we're already seeing calmer transitions and more focused engagement.\r\n\r\nWith the remaining funds, we were able to expand the project's impact. A painted lady butterfly kit gave students the opportunity to observe metamorphosis firsthand, deepening their connection to the natural world. We also purchased nasturtium seeds (now growing in our atrium garden), soil, milkweed seeds, and pots to help attract pollinators, along with garden journals for students to document and reflect on their observations—supporting both scientific thinking and literacy.\r\n\r\nAdditional materials supported our Garden Club's hydroponic towers, in first and second grade classrooms, including seed germination supplies and organizing bins for the nutrients our volunteers use to tend the towers. These improvements make it easier for both staff and parents to participate in maintaining our indoor garden systems. This effort will broaden next year to include more hands on learning for students. Finally, a portion of the budget funded craft supplies for an Earth Day activity, DIY bath salts, reinforcing themes of sustainability and self care.\r\n\r\nThough the project's scope shifted, its impact grew—reaching beyond individual classrooms into shared learning spaces and our school's green initiatives. The tools and experiences funded through this grant have strengthened mindfulness practices, hands-on science learning, and environmental awareness, helping to cultivate a calmer, more connected school community. Thank you so much for supporting this endeavor and our students.","fullyFundedDate":1737132813621,"projectUrl":"project/help-bring-calm-to-our-classrooms-with-s/8981564/","projectTitle":"Help Bring Calm to Our Classrooms with Singing Bowls","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Whissel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7523680_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733420780903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7523680"},{"teacherId":5899669,"projectId":7924415,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous donation to our classroom library. The books you provided, including engaging picture books for our English language learners (ELLs) and easy readers for students new to the country, have truly transformed our reading experience. These resources have made a world of difference in my students' learning and their overall excitement about reading.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen the books arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled. They couldn't wait to dive in, flipping through the colorful pages and pointing out pictures and words that caught their attention. For many of my ELL students, this was one of their first opportunities to independently explore books that were accessible and relatable to them. The excitement in the room was contagious as they eagerly shared their discoveries with one another. I remember one student, who had recently moved to the United States, holding up a book and exclaiming, \"I can read this!\" Moments like these are a testament to how much these materials mean to my students.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe books have had a significant impact on my students' vocabulary development and overall confidence in reading. Many of the picture books you donated include repetitive sentence structures and clear, engaging illustrations that help students associate new words with images. This has been especially beneficial for my ELL students, who are now learning not just to decode words but also to understand and use them in context. For example, after reading a book about animals, one student excitedly used the word \"feathers\" in a sentence during a class discussion. Seeing them take pride in learning and using new vocabulary has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\n\r\nBeyond vocabulary, these books have also given my students the chance to develop a love of reading. For students who are new to the country and navigating a new language, the colorful, inviting stories have been a source of comfort and joy. They often choose these books during independent reading time, and it's wonderful to see them smile and engage with stories that resonate with their experiences.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe books have also sparked new classroom projects and discussions. We've used the donated books to practice storytelling, sequencing events, and even creating our own illustrations inspired by the books. One of my favorite moments was when a group of students worked together to retell a story using their own words and illustrations. It was a collaborative and creative experience that would not have been possible without the engaging materials you provided.\r\n\r\n\r\nIn addition, the easy readers have helped my students build their confidence as they progress in their language skills. Students who once hesitated to pick up a book are now reading aloud to their classmates and participating in group discussions about the stories. This newfound confidence has carried over into other areas of learning as well, as they feel more comfortable expressing themselves in English.\r\n\r\n\r\nYour donation has not only enriched our classroom library but also created a space where all students, regardless of their language background, can feel included and capable. The impact of your kindness will continue to be felt as my students grow in their language abilities, their love of reading, and their confidence in themselves.\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for believing in the potential of every student in my classroom. You have made a lasting difference in their education and their lives.\r\n\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1707102779450,"projectUrl":"project/soaring-into-the-magical-world-of-readin/7924415/","projectTitle":"Soaring Into the Magical World of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hwang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5899669"},{"teacherId":9056637,"projectId":7395581,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to donate to my classroom. Your kind donation has helped 85 student flourish in their academics and reach success. Your donation has also helped me in organizing my classroom to build a routine and functionality for my students with disabilities to establish some form of independence. \r\n\r\nMy students and I are using the new resources in a variety of hands-on and interactive ways that support their individual learning goals. One specific project we worked on was a life skills unit where students practiced budgeting and shopping using adapted visual supports and play money. With the help of tactile materials, visual schedules, and interactive role-play, students were able to engage in real-world problem solving in a structured, supportive environment. The resources allowed me to differentiate tasks based on each student's needs, making the experience inclusive and meaningful for everyone.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. For many of them, especially those with sensory or communication challenges, having access to materials that were visually engaging and hands-on made a huge difference. One student who usually struggles to participate independently eagerly joined the activity after seeing the visual supports and manipulatives. It was a powerful reminder that the right tools can break down barriers and open up new opportunities for learning and success.","fullyFundedDate":1693340580660,"projectUrl":"project/ms-choudhurys-5th-grade-classroom/7395581/","projectTitle":"Ms. Choudhury's 5th Grade Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Choudhury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9056637_orig.jpg?crop=822,822,x2,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685047033268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9056637"}],"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"}