{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 256 Benjamin Banneker","outOfStateSupporters":40.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9333285,"projectId":9642428,"letterContent":"With gratitude, I am writing this letter to describe the impact that these materials have had on my young students very quickly.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment they saw the light panels, they had so many questions about what they were for and what they do. After I plugged them in and modeled how to build with the magnetizes and how we can put letters and numbers together on the panels, the children were absolutely enthralled. They used the community helpers to drive the construction trucks to move building materials between the light panels. They are making connections between what they see in their home of Brooklyn to their play.\r\n\r\nThey have been so engaged building and experimenting with how the magnets can fit together in what happens when 2 magnets repel each other and how to work around it. They have been engaged in conversations and lengthy dramatic play scenarios all while being able to negotiate the shared use of these amazing materials. Developing vocabulary around construction and architecture, these materials have supported students in their growth in a short period of time.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting public schools, especially those that receive Title 1 funding. Your generosity has helped possibly develop the next generation of New York City architects and engineers.","fullyFundedDate":1756253483362,"projectUrl":"project/let-there-be-light/9642428/","projectTitle":"Let There Be Light!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ciarcia-Haase","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9333285_orig.jpg?crop=1468,1468,x892,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755890028860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9333285"},{"teacherId":10270274,"projectId":9731828,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting our classroom and helping us build a library filled with engaging, high-interest books. Since your donation, reading has become one of the most exciting parts of our day. Students now have access to books that reflect their interests, identities, and curiosities, and this has transformed the energy around independent reading time. We are now seeing students eagerly exchange recommendations, reread favorite passages, and even ask for more time with books—something every teacher dreams of witnessing.\r\n\r\nThese new books allow students to practice meaningful literacy skills such as fluency, comprehension strategies, and building vocabulary through authentic engagement rather than worksheets or rote tasks. We use these texts to teach students how to identify theme, infer character motivation, and build deeper connections across texts. Reading in our classroom now includes cozy reading corners, book talks, and moments of shared discovery. 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PS 256 Benjamin Banneker

Join the 81 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker is an urban public school in Brooklyn, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed. It serves 177 students in grades K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.8:1. Its teachers have had 22 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 6

177 Students

18 Teachers

114 Kosciuszko St

Brooklyn, NY 11216 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker Teachers on DonorsChoose

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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PS 256 Benjamin Banneker Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

96%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

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 256 Benjamin Banneker

$14,692

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker has received support from 48 individuals from New York and 33 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker

About this school

Equity Focus School

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker Demographics

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

PS 256 Benjamin Banneker

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.