{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 188 the Island School","outOfStateSupporters":29.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":10009632,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your donation! We used these wonderful materials for an end-of-year Harry Potter reward celebration. Students used the invisible ink pens and mini notepads to write and decode hidden \"magic spells\" during our interactive activities, snapped on their wizard bracelets, and enjoyed the treats and stickers as rewards for their hard work this year.\r\n\r\nThe students were completely thrilled! Their eyes lit up when they saw the Hedwig, Dobby, and Harry Potter lollipop holders. There was an immediate buzz of excitement as they put on the slap bracelets and tested out the invisible ink pens right away.\r\n\r\nStudents are using the mini notepads and pens to write hidden reflection notes and words of encouragement to their classmates as we close out the year. Additionally, the noise-canceling headphones are helping students stay focused during our final digital learning and assessment review stations.","fullyFundedDate":1777665787716,"projectUrl":"project/bring-the-hogwarts-house-cup-to-life/10009632/","projectTitle":"Bring the Hogwarts House Cup to Life!","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":10023135,"projectId":9329204,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to everyone who supported our project, \"Whisking Up Kindness: A Bake Sale for a Cause!\" Your kindness and generosity have made a meaningful difference for my students. This project was about more than baking and raising funds; it was about showing our students the importance of kindness, giving back, working together, and being part of something bigger than themselves. Seeing the excitement and joy this project brought to our classroom was truly special. Your support helped create an opportunity for my students to learn valuable lessons that go beyond the classroom. I am so grateful for everyone who took the time to contribute and believe in our students. Thank you for reminding them that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference!","fullyFundedDate":1747087678712,"projectUrl":"project/whisking-up-kindness-a-bake-sale-for-a/9329204/","projectTitle":"Whisking Up Kindness: A Bake Sale for a Cause!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Almonte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10023135"},{"teacherId":8046712,"projectId":7912996,"letterContent":"The Magical Prizes for Muggles project has brought excitement, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment into our classroom. Students have become more engaged and enthusiastic about participating in lessons and completing their work. The project has helped create a fun and rewarding atmosphere where students feel recognized for their hard work, creativity, and perseverance.\r\nWhat excites students most is the opportunity to earn magical prizes and celebrate their achievements in a way that makes learning feel special. The project encourages students to stay focused, take pride in their progress, and support one another. It has been especially meaningful for students who may need extra encouragement, as it gives them something exciting to work toward and helps build their confidence. Seeing their excitement and pride when they earn a reward has been incredibly rewarding, and we are grateful to our donors for helping make this experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1697022642627,"projectUrl":"project/magical-prizes-for-muggles/7912996/","projectTitle":"Magical Prizes for Muggles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8046712_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630800345565","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8046712"},{"teacherId":3814941,"projectId":10024684,"letterContent":"Woodworking has been a mainstay of the Tech Cafe for over a decade. It is the perfect conduit for applying math skills to the real world. It's also a way for kids to combine artistry with the need to apply some muscle! Our students love it and we've been using it for a variety of projects this year, including the construction of factory farm models for our Animal Rights Unit.\r\n\r\nYour contribution helped us to purchase wood for our projects and it goes without saying that woodwork without wood doesn't amount to much. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1772658725341,"projectUrl":"project/woodworking-materials-for-our-makerspace/10024684/","projectTitle":"Woodworking Materials for our Makerspace: Students Building Solutions","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"},{"teacherId":8046712,"projectId":9995817,"letterContent":"This project has a meaningful impact on my students by directly supporting their ability to focus, learn, and fully participate in classroom activities. Having access to snacks throughout the day helps ensure that basic needs are being met so that students can concentrate on learning instead of hunger or fatigue. As a result, I've already noticed students are more engaged during lessons, more willing to participate in discussions, and better able to regulate their emotions during challenging academic tasks.\r\nWhat excites my students most about this project is the sense of care and support it represents. To them, it's not just about having something to eat, it's about knowing that their wellbeing matters. Many students take pride in the fact that this resource is available to everyone, and they are especially appreciative of being able to recharge when they need it most during the school day.\r\nThis project has been particularly meaningful for students who face long days, limited access to food before or after school, or who struggle with maintaining focus during afternoon classes. These students often benefit the most from having a quick, accessible snack that helps them reset and return to learning with more energy and confidence. I've seen students who are typically quiet or withdrawn become more willing to participate after having a moment to refuel, and students who struggle with attention are better able to stay on task.\r\nOverall, this project is helping create a more supportive and equitable classroom environment where all students have a better opportunity to succeed academically and feel cared for as individuals.","fullyFundedDate":1771788027983,"projectUrl":"project/building-brain-power/9995817/","projectTitle":"Building Brain Power!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8046712_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630800345565","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8046712"},{"teacherId":3814941,"projectId":9857275,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating these costumes. They were used successfully in our production of The Switch. In this documentary, after eating hamburgers and chicken nuggets, dreamed that they were farm animals. As pigs, chickens, and cows, they experienced the horrors of farrowing crates, battery cages, and rotating milking platforms.\r\n\r\nWe played their final product to multiple classes who were transfixed. Next week we will be having an Animal Rights celebration where their film will be screened to an audience of elementary school students. Stay tuned for updates! Here is a link to the film: \r\nhttps://vimeo.com/1166395767?fl=pl&fe=sh","fullyFundedDate":1761677357158,"projectUrl":"project/animal-rights-film-costumes/9857275/","projectTitle":"Animal Rights Film Costumes","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"},{"teacherId":3814941,"projectId":9710598,"letterContent":"This year has been all about Animal Rights. Students have learned about the horrific conditions in factory farms, animal testing facilities, zoos, and aquariums. To reflect their understanding and to bring about positive change, students select from a variety of menu options within our Makerspace. One of those options is to build a model of one of these facilities that takes possession of these animals. To create such models, students cut wood and drilled, nailed, or glued pieces together. They combined this construction with other Maker materials to form striking pieces. These models will be shown to elementary schoolers during our school-wide celebration. Thank you so very much for helping to make these models happen.","fullyFundedDate":1757883993425,"projectUrl":"project/upper-elementary-architects-and-builders/9710598/","projectTitle":"Upper Elementary Architects and Builders","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"},{"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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_31","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":305,"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"8.2:1","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"}
Join the 211 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 188 the Island School is
an urban public school
in New York, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 305 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 8.2:1.
Its teachers have had 124 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 8
305 Students
37 Teachers
442 E Houston StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
95%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
PS 188 the Island School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Nov 8, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
PS 188 the Island School
$53,336
raised using DonorsChoose
124
projects
funded
29
teachers
funded
211
donors
8
projects
for
basic supplies
22
projects for
technology
10
projects for
books
17
projects
for
art supplies
PS 188 the Island School has received support from
149 individuals from New York and
62 individuals out-of-state.