{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 188 the Island School","outOfStateSupporters":29.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":9894200,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of costumes for our *Esperanza Rising* classroom movie project. Your support made it possible for our students to bring the story to life in a meaningful and engaging way.\r\n\r\nWith the costumes, students were able to fully immerse themselves in the characters and setting, which helped them better understand the struggles and resilience of people whose human rights have been threatened. One unforgettable moment was seeing students perform their scenes with confidence and emotion, really connecting with the story and its lessons about fairness, justice, and empathy.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the costumes, they were thrilled and inspired. Many said things like, \"I feel like I'm really Esperanza!\" and \"This makes it so much more real!\" Your generosity not only enhanced our project but also helped students feel valued and excited about learning.\r\n\r\nNext, students will reflect on the story and their performances, discussing how human rights are still challenged today and how they can make a difference in their own communities. Thanks to your support, our classroom is becoming a space where learning, creativity, and social awareness come together in powerful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1763175010879,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-human-rights-to-life-through-fi/9894200/","projectTitle":"Bringing Human Rights to Life Through Film","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":9685694,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation! We are using the new resources to create holiday gift bags for members of our community who are less fortunate. Students worked together to carefully assemble each bag with candy canes, slime, hot cocoa, ramen, squishies, and a Harry Potter holiday card. One special moment was watching students double-check each bag to make sure nothing was missing because they wanted every person to feel cared for and included.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were so excited and immediately started talking about how happy the recipients would be. Instead of focusing on the items for themselves, they focused on who they were giving them to, which was really meaningful to see. Many students said things like, \"They're going to love this!\" and \"This is going to make someone's day.\"\r\n\r\nNext, students will be reflecting on the experience through writing by describing how it felt to give to others and why helping the community is important. We will also connect this project to lessons on empathy, gratitude, and being responsible citizens, helping them understand that learning goes beyond academics and into making a positive impact on the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1759761186990,"projectUrl":"project/gifts-of-kindness-our-class-gives-back/9685694/","projectTitle":"Gifts of Kindness: Our Class Gives Back This Holiday Season","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":9385001,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of graphic novels, the *Percy Jackson* series, and *Dork Diaries* books. These have been an amazing addition to our classroom library.\r\n\r\nThe students were beyond excited when they saw the new books. Many rushed to choose one right away, and their enthusiasm for reading has grown even more. These titles are motivating reluctant readers and keeping our strong readers engaged and challenged.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped make reading fun, exciting, and accessible for all of our students. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1757606148763,"projectUrl":"project/hooked-on-books-fueling-fifth-grade-rea/9385001/","projectTitle":"Hooked on Books: Fueling Fifth Grade Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":9384976,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your thoughtful donation of deodorant to our students. This has been incredibly helpful in supporting their personal hygiene and confidence throughout the school day. With teacher guidance, students learned the importance of maintaining good hygiene. \r\n\r\nThe students were grateful and appreciative to receive these items. Many felt more comfortable and prepared, knowing they had what they needed to take care of themselves. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in their well-being.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1755284380080,"projectUrl":"project/growing-up-clean-deodorant-for-developi/9384976/","projectTitle":"Growing Up Clean: Deodorant for Developing Tweens","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":9527050,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. The big mesh zipper bags have been perfect for our book baggies, helping students stay organized and take responsibility for their materials. The new headphones have improved focus during digital learning and listening activities, and the colored pencil kits have added creativity and excitement to our projects.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled when they received the new supplies. Their faces lit up, and they were eager to use everything right away. They truly felt special and appreciated.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support and the positive impact you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755099485559,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-to-spark-creativity-and-keep-us/9527050/","projectTitle":"Supplies to Spark Creativity and Keep Us Organized!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":6757209,"projectId":9652731,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us bring hands-on, off-screen learning into our classroom! Because of your generosity, our students now have access to a math and games station filled with board games, chess, Scrabble, origami, logic puzzles, Sudoku. We are using these resources during math centers and choice time, where students rotate through activities that challenge them to think strategically, build, and problem-solve together.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were thrilled. They immediately gathered around the games, asking questions, setting up boards, and trying out puzzles. Several students who usually feel anxious about math were eager to jump in, because the learning felt like play. The excitement was contagious, and the room buzzed with collaboration, laughter, and focused thinking as students explored the new tools.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our next steps involve going even deeper. Students are beginning to connect these games to formal math concepts—using chess to discuss patterns and strategy, Scrabble to strengthen number sense and logic, and origami to explore geometry and spatial reasoning. They will also reflect on the strategies they use and explain their thinking to peers, building both confidence and communication skills. Your support has helped create a space where math feels joyful, social, and meaningful, and our students are growing as thinkers every day because of you.","fullyFundedDate":1764674391677,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-games-puzzles-and-play/9652731/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math: Games, Puzzles, and Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daliz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6757209_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755627629211","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6757209"},{"teacherId":6757209,"projectId":9627629,"letterContent":"The books in our Counting On: A Math Library for All Learners collection introduce students to the beauty and accessibility of mathematics through storytelling. Each text helps students build essential math literacy skills such as reasoning, problem-solving, and pattern recognition, while also fostering reading comprehension and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an active and joyful process. Students read math-focused picture books and short stories in small groups, during independent reading time, and as part of math centers. We pair each text with hands-on math activities, reflective journal prompts, and class discussions that connect literacy to mathematical reasoning.\r\n\r\nYes! Our reluctant and struggling learners have especially connected with these new math stories. For many of them, traditional math practice can feel intimidating—but reading stories where characters think, make mistakes, and persevere helps them build confidence.\r\n\r\nOne student who often said \"I'm just not good at math\" lit up after reading The Girl with a Mind for Math. She proudly shared, \"She didn't give up—and I won't either.\" Others enjoy the humor and creativity in books like Sir Cumference and Stone Age Geometry Spheres, which turn problem-solving into an adventure.\r\n\r\nThese books have made math feel human, relatable, and fun—exactly what our students need to stay motivated and believe in their own potential.","fullyFundedDate":1756223003192,"projectUrl":"project/counting-on-books-a-math-library-for-al/9627629/","projectTitle":"Counting on Books: a Math Library for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daliz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6757209_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755627629211","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6757209"},{"teacherId":6757209,"projectId":9625656,"letterContent":"My students are using the new materials to design and build their own math board games, combining creativity, teamwork, and academic rigor. Each group selected a math topic and created question cards using real problems from the state test. Then, they used the donated materials to construct 3D game boards, tokens, and spinners that bring their ideas to life. One of my favorite classroom moments was watching a group debate the best way to design their game path so players would encounter harder math questions near the \"finish line.\" They were measuring, testing, and problem-solving—all while having fun and taking ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was instant! Students couldn't believe that the boxes of colorful materials—foam boards, dice, markers, and building tools—were all for their math projects. They immediately started brainstorming ideas and sketching out designs. Many students who are usually quiet during math lessons became leaders during the building phase, confidently sharing creative ideas and helping their teams bring their visions to life.\r\n\r\nNext, students will present and play-test their board games with other classes. They'll reflect on how math is used in game design, discuss what strategies worked best, and make revisions based on peer feedback. Eventually, we'll host a \"Math Game Expo\" where students showcase their games and explain the math concepts behind them. This project has transformed how my students see math—it's no longer just numbers on a page, but something they can build, play, and share with pride.","fullyFundedDate":1756052277463,"projectUrl":"project/intergrating-hands-on-model-building-in/9625656/","projectTitle":"Intergrating Hands-on Model Building in Math While Developing Spatial Reasoning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daliz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6757209_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755627629211","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6757209"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":9296304,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Because of you, our class was able to get a Cricut machine — and we've already put it to work. My students have been busy creating posters, stickers, and reminders that encourage our school to protect our planet by reducing waste, reusing materials, and making earth-friendly choices.\r\nYour donation didn't just purchase a tool — it sparked excitement and gave my students a real voice in helping our Earth. They are so proud to see their designs displayed around the school, inspiring others to take care of our planet.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and belief in our mission. Thank you for helping us make a difference, one project at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1746547965399,"projectUrl":"project/protecting-the-planet-with-a-cricut-mach/9296304/","projectTitle":"Protecting the Planet with a Cricut Machine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":1562804,"projectId":9362211,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been buzzing with creativity and purpose! With the Cricut machine and heat press you helped provide, my students dove right into our project of protecting the planet by creating reusable tote bags. The moment they saw the new materials, their eyes lit up and excitement filled the room as they imagined all the things they could create.\r\n\r\nOur first project was designing and making personalized reusable totes to encourage sustainable habits and reduce plastic waste. Each student was able to express their creativity while learning about environmental responsibility. Students proudly carry their totes, a daily reminder of the impact they can make.\r\n\r\nThis project has given my students a hands-on way to connect art, technology, and environmental awareness. They've learned how to use the Cricut software, design responsibly, and work as a team. And the best part? We're just getting started! In the coming months, we plan to use the tools for more eco-focused projects such as creating t-shirt designs.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom. Your donation didn't just fund supplies, it sparked creativity, inspired confidence, and helped shape a new generation of changemakers.","fullyFundedDate":1747949785450,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-to-protect-the-plane/9362211/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students to Protect the Planet Through Creative Crafting","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tschinkel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1562804"},{"teacherId":10009080,"projectId":9298261,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project. Thanks to your kindness, my students had the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable experience that combined academics, entrepreneurship skills, and compassion in the most inspiring way.\r\n\r\nWith the help of the espresso maker, coffee pods, cake pop stand, sticks, and treat bags you provided, we hosted a cafe bake sale to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital—and it was a huge success! I'm thrilled to share that our students raised $800 for this amazing cause. The pride they felt in making a real-world impact was truly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nStudents did so much for this project from creating the menu, setting prices, packaging and selling a wide array of cake pops, to preparing and serving coffee, students took full ownership of the entire event. They used a wide range of math skills—adding totals, making change, tracking sales—and practiced essential life skills like communication, customer service, teamwork, and responsibility. One student said, \"I feel like I'm really working at Starbucks!\" It was such a joyful and empowering experience for them.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, students were beyond excited. They couldn't believe they would get to use a real espresso machine and sell tons of tasty treats. Their enthusiasm was contagious—from planning to execution, they stayed engaged every step of the way.\r\n\r\nThis project was more than just a classroom activity—it became a powerful lesson in giving back, problem-solving, and working toward a common goal. It also gave students a chance to see what they're capable of when they work hard and believe in themselves.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to continue using these tools for future projects and definitely will host more events where students can apply their learning in real-world ways. We are already planning our next reopening! Your support has given us not just supplies, but opportunities—opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students this unforgettable experience. You truly made an impact on their hearts and minds.","fullyFundedDate":1746551990514,"projectUrl":"project/giving-back-through-cafe-bake-sale-succe/9298261/","projectTitle":"Giving Back through Cafe Bake Sale Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gordon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009080"},{"teacherId":3814941,"projectId":9394195,"letterContent":"Over the years, I've come to believe in the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage in skill-building activities that can lead directly to rewarding careers. Woodworking and carpentry fit the bill. \r\n\r\nWith the help of the drills you've donated, students have created birdhouses, built puppet stages, and custom mountings for clay masks. Using these tools and materials is, of course, atypical for middle school, and the students feel this specialness-- they are deeply absorbed in the act of construction.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping to provide this opportunity for them.","fullyFundedDate":1749143344374,"projectUrl":"project/makerspace-power-tools/9394195/","projectTitle":"Makerspace Power Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Lahana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3814941_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472328029728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/techcafe"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_31","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":337,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.6,"schoolId":31,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 188 the Island School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 188 the Island School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-188-the-island-school/31"}