{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 18 Winchester","outOfStateSupporters":55.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5412798,"projectId":9947222,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our \"Kindness Rock Garden\" project on DonorsChoose. Because of your support, our students were able to gather supplies and spend joyful afternoons painting beautiful rocks that carry positive messages for everyone in our community. Watching their faces light up as they mixed colors, chose words, and carefully decorated each stone was a reminder of how powerful creativity and kindness can be when given the chance to grow.\r\n\r\nYour gift did more than provide paint and brushes — it gave our students a meaningful way to think about empathy and the impact of small acts. They brainstormed messages that lift spirits, remind people they matter, and encourage kindness in everyday moments. Those conversations sparked thoughtful reflections, teamwork, and pride in their work. The finished rocks now brighten our garden and will continue to spread hope to neighbors, visitors, and anyone who needs a little encouragement.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your belief in our students and in the power of community projects. Your kindness has helped nurture a lasting reminder that small, creative efforts can make a big difference. Thank you for helping us build a space where children learn to give, to care, and to share light with others.","fullyFundedDate":1765393952235,"projectUrl":"project/community-kindness-rock-garden/9947222/","projectTitle":"Community Kindness Rock Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chun","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5412798_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567196866467","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslchun"},{"teacherId":10052663,"projectId":9767473,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind and generous donation. With your help, we were able to create heartfelt and beautiful cards to honor and thank our Veterans. The students were in awe of all of the amazing art supplies that we have added to our classroom. They enjoyed using each and every one and look forward to using them again. We are currently planning to use our new art supplies to create cards for local NYPD members to also thank them for everything they do for our community. Your donation helps my students to see the kindness in others who help them, and in turn allows them to pay it forward with hand made cards of appreciation to show their kindness for others as well!","fullyFundedDate":1759773396220,"projectUrl":"project/valuable-veterans/9767473/","projectTitle":"Valuable Veterans","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spaliaras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10052663"},{"teacherId":771544,"projectId":9926526,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our special seating project. Because of your generosity, our classroom will have flexible seating options that help students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThis special seating will give students the opportunity to choose spaces that meet their individual needs—whether that means helping them focus, feel calm, or engage more confidently in learning. Students who benefit from movement, sensory input, or a quieter space will be better able to participate, collaborate, and stay focused throughout the day.","fullyFundedDate":1767224556097,"projectUrl":"project/special-seating/9926526/","projectTitle":"Special Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp771544_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566611038760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/771544"},{"teacherId":771544,"projectId":9643534,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the LEGO Prime kits! Our students were absolutely thrilled when they arrived. Their excitement was immediate—eyes wide, questions flying, and so many eager hands ready to start building.\r\n\r\nThese kits sparked curiosity, creativity, and collaboration right away. Students couldn't wait to explore how the pieces worked together, test ideas, and challenge themselves through hands-on problem solving. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they realized they could design, code, and bring their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for giving our students such an engaging and empowering learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1758128139927,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-computer-science/9643534/","projectTitle":"Classroom Computer Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp771544_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566611038760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/771544"},{"teacherId":5406124,"projectId":9777287,"letterContent":"Our students are so thankful for the fun games and toys that we are able to use in our Kindness Club. The students planned stations with games at each station. The students and community members alternate games. Our older students tooks initiative to make signs and organize the event. They said the first event was a lot of work but worth it.\r\nWhen the kids got to play the new games, there was pure excitement and joy. They exclaimed that they didn't know that there were such cool games. Students with learning and behavior needs were fully supported by the older students \r\nThe students loved the event and were upset when it ended. They can't wait to play games with their new friends again!","fullyFundedDate":1760992019041,"projectUrl":"project/community-service-fun/9777287/","projectTitle":"Community Service Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kalman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5406124_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761273033328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5406124"},{"teacherId":8448900,"projectId":9797508,"letterContent":"Thank you to all the generous donors that have helped contribute to this special cause. \r\nYour gift Is building a safer, more supportive space for students and a place to keep student records and facilitate private family communication. Your contribution directly funds:\r\n\r\n•\tA locked, central location for confidential student records, intervention materials, and parent resource binders — keeping private information safe and accessible to authorized staff.\r\n•\tA reliable, portable phone to ensure private, professional conversations with parents and outside agencies.\r\n•\tA flexible system for tracking appointments, displaying non confidential resources, and managing student check ins.\r\n•\tTools and materials to create quick, customizable visual aids that help students access learning and behavior supports immediately.\r\n\r\nI will keep you updated on the project's rollout and share stories about the positive impact your donation makes.","fullyFundedDate":1760533319794,"projectUrl":"project/office-upgrade/9797508/","projectTitle":"Office Upgrade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scarola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8448900"},{"teacherId":3206939,"projectId":9810473,"letterContent":"We are beyond grateful for your generous support of our classroom and for making it possible for my students to receive these math manipulatives. Your donation has already made a meaningful difference in how my students engage with mathematics each day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students are now able to explore mathematical concepts through hands-on learning experiences. Using manipulatives allows them to visualize abstract ideas, experiment with problem-solving strategies, and build a deeper understanding of math in a way that is both engaging and accessible. These tools help students gain confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and truly make sense of the math they are learning.\r\n\r\nYour support goes beyond supplies—it helps create an environment where students can actively learn, collaborate with their peers, and develop a stronger foundation in mathematics. I am incredibly grateful for your investment in my students' education and their future success.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and for helping make our classroom a place where learning comes to life every day.","fullyFundedDate":1763605202166,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-math/9810473/","projectTitle":"Exploring Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ritter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3206939_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501705966451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdritter"},{"teacherId":5412798,"projectId":9392426,"letterContent":"Dear DonorsChoose Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous contribution to our Rock Garden Project at PS18Q. Because of your kindness, our students received all the supplies they needed to explore their creativity and bring this project to life. Your support made it possible for every child to feel included, excited, and empowered as they worked with their materials.\r\n\r\nThe students had an amazing time using Mod Podge and acrylic paint pens to decorate their special rocks. They loved experimenting with colors, patterns, and personal messages, and many shared how proud they felt seeing their unique designs come to life. It was wonderful to watch them express themselves freely while also learning patience, focus, and artistic confidence.\r\n\r\nOur new rock garden has become a beautiful symbol of community, creativity, and kindness—and it wouldn't have been possible without you. Thank you for helping us create a meaningful experience that our students will cherish for a long time. Your generosity truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1760388174981,"projectUrl":"project/help-beautify-our-school-with-a-rock-gar/9392426/","projectTitle":"Help BEAUTIFY Our School With a ROCK GARDEN!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chun","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5412798_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567196866467","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslchun"},{"teacherId":771544,"projectId":9019219,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Lunar New Year origami project became a joyful celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Students explored the traditions of Lunar New Year through hands-on art, folding vibrant paper into symbolic shapes like boats, lanterns, and stars. This project sparked curiosity, built fine motor skills, and gave every child a chance to express themselves while learning about East Asian heritage.\r\n\r\nThe classroom was filled with excitement and pride as students shared their creations and stories with one another. For many, it was their first time engaging with origami—and they were amazed by what they could create with just a sheet of paper and a little patience. Your donation didn't just fund supplies; it opened a door to cultural appreciation, artistic growth, and meaningful connection.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us—thank you for making this celebration possible.","fullyFundedDate":1735694256949,"projectUrl":"project/lunar-new-year-celebration/9019219/","projectTitle":"Lunar New Year Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp771544_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566611038760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/771544"},{"teacherId":3163586,"projectId":9522267,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our classroom. We have been trying to get a color printer for many years. We encourage a lot of technology into our classroom. Students are learning to create amazing projects and presentations. In the past, we were never able to print them out and celebrate them. We tried to print in black and white, but a lot of the work students did was lost without the color. \r\nOur students were SO Excited to print and hang their first projects this year! They sit proudly on our outside bulletin board for the whole school to see! We have also been able to use the printer for other things as well. We have students with disabilities, English Language Learners and gifted students in this class. We create many valuable charts, hand outs, resources etc. for student to help them be successful. Being able to color code and print is so helpful for out students...and who isn't more excited with a color copy in front of them! Thank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758636554630,"projectUrl":"project/color-my-students-world/9522267/","projectTitle":"Color My Students' World!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Niedert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3163586"},{"teacherId":771544,"projectId":9740930,"letterContent":"The classroom is full of excitement! Students are eager to explore the new sensory tools and materials. They're smiling, sharing, and showing curiosity as they touch, squeeze, roll, and move with the items. It's creating moments of joy, calm, and focused engagement—helping everyone feel ready to learn.\r\n The students are truly excited to engage with the new sensory resources. These tools offer hands-on ways to regulate emotions and stay focused during lessons. Students are actively choosing them during transitions and work time, and we've already seen increased comfort, engagement, and participation. The classroom feels more balanced, joyful, and supportive thanks to your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1760533308016,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-learning-fun/9740930/","projectTitle":"Sensory Learning Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp771544_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566611038760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/771544"},{"teacherId":5414359,"projectId":9395622,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts about something that has made such a meaningful difference in my teaching—small group instruction around the half-moon table. It's amazing how a simple change in setting and group size can have such a deep impact on student engagement, understanding, and confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen I first began using the half-moon table for small group instruction, I didn't realize how much the physical setup alone would transform the learning experience. The semi-circular shape allows every student to face me directly, creating a natural closeness that makes communication more personal and effective. It's a space where students feel seen and heard—literally! There's no \"back row,\" and even my shyest learners begin to participate more freely. The design naturally encourages conversation, eye contact, and active engagement, which are all key ingredients for meaningful learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest benefits of small group instruction is the opportunity for targeted teaching. Around that half-moon table, I can give each child the attention and support they need, right when they need it. Whether it's guiding a group of readers through a new strategy or helping students break down a math problem, the small group setting lets me quickly assess their understanding and provide immediate feedback. I can adjust my instruction in real time—something that's much harder to do in whole-group lessons. It's so rewarding to see students have those \"aha\" moments right in front of me.\r\n\r\nAnother impact I've noticed is how small group instruction fosters stronger relationships. Sitting so close together, we naturally build a sense of trust and community. Students begin to open up about their thinking, ask questions they might not ask in front of the whole class, and even encourage one another. The half-moon table feels like a safe zone—a place where mistakes are simply part of learning. Over time, I've seen students grow not only academically but also socially and emotionally, developing confidence and resilience that carry into other parts of the classroom.\r\n\r\nDifferentiation also becomes more manageable in this setting. Because I can group students based on skill level or learning need, I'm able to tailor my instruction more precisely. For example, one group might work on decoding strategies while another practices fluency or comprehension. Each group gets what they need most, and students feel successful because the work is both challenging and achievable. This individualized approach keeps everyone progressing and helps close learning gaps much more efficiently.\r\n\r\nFinally, there's an undeniable energy that comes from these small group sessions. Students tend to be more engaged and motivated because they know their contributions matter. The setting promotes active learning—discussion, problem-solving, and hands-on practice—rather than passive listening. And for me as a teacher, it's one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. There's something truly special about sitting together around that curved table, sharing ideas, and watching students grow more confident in their skills.\r\n\r\nIn short, small group instruction around a half-moon table is more than just a teaching strategy—it's a relationship builder, a confidence booster, and a powerful tool for meaningful learning. It's where personalized instruction meets human connection. I honestly can't imagine my classroom without it.","fullyFundedDate":1750256169382,"projectUrl":"project/gather-round-for-growth/9395622/","projectTitle":"“Gather’ Round for Growth”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. James","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5414359_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716219333486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5414359"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_942","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":428,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":56,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":44.8,"schoolId":942,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 18 Winchester on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 18 Winchester","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-18-winchester/942"}