{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 35 Franz Siegel School","outOfStateSupporters":37.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5062795,"projectId":9430725,"letterContent":"The moment our new classroom materials arrived, my students lit up with excitement. Many of them immediately began exploring the sensory tools, soft lighting, and calm-down corner resources with a sense of ownership and relief—almost as if the classroom finally matched the way they learn and feel inside. For students who experience big emotions, sensory needs, and frustration when overwhelmed, these tools have already begun transforming how they regulate, transition, and participate in learning.\r\nStudents now begin their day by checking in on the feelings chart, choosing a regulation tool if needed, and settling into a space that feels safe and welcoming. The galaxy projector and soft lighting have turned our calm-down area into a peaceful retreat instead of a timeout space, which has led to fewer emotional outbursts and faster recovery times. The fidget tools, visual posters, and affirmations help students stay focused during lessons without embarrassment or disruption.\r\nOne of the most meaningful reactions came from a student with Autism who quietly said, \"This classroom feels like it understands me now.\" That single sentence captured exactly what this project was meant to do—create a room where every learner feels seen, supported, and celebrated.\r\nOur next steps are to continue using the cultural bulletin board materials (Hispanic Heritage, Black History Month, etc.) to help students see themselves in our space and learn about others in our school community. The posters, rug, sensory tools, and storage bins have allowed us to build not just a classroom, but a culture—one where emotional regulation, identity, and learning all work together.\r\nThank you for helping us create a space that honors who my students are and supports who they are becoming. Your generosity did more than supply materials—it gave my students dignity, comfort, and a sense of belonging they will carry into every lesson, every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758899280143,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-big-feelings-bold-culture/9430725/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds, Big Feelings, Bold Culture: A Classroom for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benoit-Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5062795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705066431895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nbenoit"},{"teacherId":5062795,"projectId":9718522,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our project \"From Crinkle to Crisp: Protecting Student Work\" has already made a noticeable difference in our classroom. Before this project, many of my students would work so hard on their writing, artwork, and graphic organizers—only to see them get wrinkled, torn, or lost in transit. Now, they are proudly using the new laminator and protective tools to save and showcase their work in a way that honors the effort they put into it.\r\nWhat's most exciting for my students is how professional their work now feels. They're not just completing assignments they're creating published pieces they can keep, take home, and display. One of my students, who often rushes through writing, now slows down because he knows, in his words, \"It's going to be laminated forever.\" That added sense of purpose has transformed his engagement.\r\nMany of our donors may not see how tools like laminators support learning, but in a self-contained classroom, giving students a way to preserve and revisit their work builds confidence, ownership, and pride. We now use laminated materials for reusable math fluency cards, visual schedules, behavior charts, reading bookmarks, and even student-led goal trackers saving us time, paper, and frustration.\r\nSeveral students with sensory and attention needs especially love using wipe-off markers on laminated templates instead of loose worksheets. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by multiple pages, they now interact with sturdy, reusable tools that support independence and reduce anxiety.\r\nYour support did more than provide a machine, it strengthened a learning environment where student effort is valued, student voices are visible, and student work is protected. My class feels seen, supported, and important; that is a gift that lasts much longer than one assignment.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping us build a classroom where their growth is something they can literally hold onto.","fullyFundedDate":1758899000596,"projectUrl":"project/from-crinkle-to-crisp-protecting-studen/9718522/","projectTitle":"From Crinkle to Crisp: Protecting Student Work","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benoit-Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5062795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705066431895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nbenoit"},{"teacherId":5062795,"projectId":9532365,"letterContent":"When our project was funded, my students could hardly believe it. They were so excited to know that new tools were coming to help them stay on track with their learning. The first day we used the timers and routines, their faces lit up. They loved being able to manage their time in a way that gave them independence and confidence.\r\nAlready, I can see a change in how they approach their work. Instead of feeling rushed or frustrated, they are more focused and motivated to finish tasks. The timers have given them a sense of control and have helped create a calmer, more structured learning environment. These resources are truly helping them build skills that go beyond the classroom, skills they'll carry into their everyday lives.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and making this possible. Your generosity has created a ripple of excitement and growth in our classroom, and we can't wait to share more of our progress with you!","fullyFundedDate":1757084415116,"projectUrl":"project/saved-by-the-clock/9532365/","projectTitle":"Saved by the Clock","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benoit-Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5062795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705066431895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nbenoit"},{"teacherId":5062795,"projectId":9308065,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping bring flexible seating into our classroom. From the moment my students saw the new seating options, their faces lit up with excitement. They were eager to choose the seats that made them feel most comfortable and focused, whether it was a wobble chair, cushion, or floor seating.\r\nThese resources have already made a huge difference in our daily learning. Students who once struggled to stay engaged now have seating that supports their focus, movement, and comfort. For example, one student who often had difficulty sitting through a lesson now proudly completes his work while seated on a stool. The flexible seating has helped foster independence, collaboration, and joy in learning.\r\nThanks to your support, our classroom feels more inclusive and welcoming. The next step for us is to integrate the seating into group projects and collaborative learning so students can work together in spaces that best fit their needs. Your kindness has truly transformed not only our classroom environment but also the confidence and success of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1752506879232,"projectUrl":"project/transform-learning-with-flexible-seating/9308065/","projectTitle":"Transform Learning with Flexible Seating for Exceptional Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benoit-Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5062795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705066431895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nbenoit"},{"teacherId":5062795,"projectId":9302058,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom was able to celebrate our students in a truly special and unforgettable way. The awards ceremony was a joyful, confidence-boosting experience that highlighted each student's unique strengths and growth. From the colorful decorations and personalized certificates to the small gifts and celebratory snacks, every detail helped make the event feel meaningful and fun. One moment that stood out was when a student who usually struggles with self-esteem beamed with pride as they accepted their \"Most Determined Learner\" award. Their smile said it all—your donation helped create that moment.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were amazed. They couldn't believe all of it was just for them! We used the excitement to reflect on their accomplishments and practice social skills like public speaking, showing appreciation, and supporting peers. The ceremony tied in perfectly with our current social-emotional learning goals, giving students a chance to recognize not only academic growth but also personal milestones. Our next steps include creating a classroom scrapbook with photos and reflections from the celebration—another way to reinforce the positive impact of recognizing progress and effort. Thank you for helping us build a culture of encouragement, pride, and belonging!","fullyFundedDate":1747495216615,"projectUrl":"project/shine-bright-celebrating-student-succes/9302058/","projectTitle":"Shine Bright: Celebrating Student Success with an Unforgettable Awards Ceremony!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benoit-Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5062795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705066431895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nbenoit"},{"teacherId":5062795,"projectId":9182065,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is now better prepared to keep students safe and cared for throughout the school day. The first aid supplies you helped provide—bandages, antiseptic wipes, ice packs, gloves, and more—have already made a huge difference in our daily routine. Whether it's a scraped knee from recess or a paper cut during art time, we're able to respond quickly, calmly, and confidently. One especially memorable moment was when a student fell during a sensory break; because of your donation, we had everything we needed to clean the scrape, comfort the student, and return to learning in just a few minutes. That moment reminded us how much safety and preparedness support emotional well-being too.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, my students were curious and excited. We turned it into a learning opportunity, practicing how to calmly handle small injuries and exploring the contents of our new first aid kits. It sparked important conversations about helping others, self-care, and building trust in our classroom community. Now, students are more aware of health and hygiene and even remind each other to use hand sanitizer or ask for help when needed. As we continue learning about health and safety as part of our life skills unit, these materials remain a crucial, hands-on part of our learning. Your support has empowered us to keep moving forward safely and confidently—thank you for being part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1746786964723,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-care-first-aid-supplies-to-ke/9182065/","projectTitle":"Classroom Care: First Aid Supplies to Keep Us Safe","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benoit-Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5062795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705066431895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nbenoit"},{"teacherId":4489024,"projectId":8850039,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well! On behalf of the students and staff, I want to express our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of books. Your support is helping us create an engaging, exciting, and educational reading environment that sparks curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.\r\n\r\nAmong the incredible new additions to our classroom library are books like Percy Jackson, Dog Man, and stories featuring memorable \"bad guys.\" These books have brought not only joy to our students but also valuable lessons that go beyond just reading the words on the page.Percy Jackson, for example, is helping our students explore complex themes like heroism, moral dilemmas, and self-discovery. Percy's journey challenges students to think critically about their own decisions and consider the nuances of right and wrong, especially when it comes to characters who might initially seem like \"bad guys.\" \r\n\r\nThese lessons spark discussions about empathy, motivation, and growth, teaching our students that people (and characters) are rarely purely good or bad. Reading in our classroom is dynamic and interactive. We engage in discussions about the characters, their choices, and the lessons they learn. After reading a section, we often analyze the motivations behind both the heroes and the villains. Students share their thoughts on what makes these characters compelling and how we might approach similar challenges in real life.\r\n\r\nYour donation has truly brought something special to our classroom. The students are not just reading—they are connecting with the stories, the characters, and the lessons in ways that will benefit them for years to come.\r\nThe new books are resonating with a wide variety of students. Reluctant readers, who may have struggled with traditional texts in the past, are particularly enjoying Dog Man. The visual elements and humor make reading feel more approachable and fun. Some students who've never been excited about reading are now asking for more books to take home!\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for helping us foster a love for reading.","fullyFundedDate":1733288216698,"projectUrl":"project/inspire-imagine-read-our-library/8850039/","projectTitle":"Inspire, Imagine, Read: Our Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4489024_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759438196152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4489024"},{"teacherId":5062795,"projectId":8845768,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! The books provided through this project have transformed our reading time into an engaging and empowering experience for my 3rd and 4th grade bridge self-contained class. My students, who are eager learners with unique needs, have embraced these new resources with excitement and curiosity.\r\nIn our classroom, reading is more than just decoding words—it's about building confidence, improving comprehension, and fostering a love for stories. These books allow us to explore key skills such as sequencing, making inferences, and expanding vocabulary, all while enjoying diverse and relatable stories. We use a combination of read-alouds, guided reading groups, and independent reading time, where students can engage with books tailored to their individual reading levels and interests.\r\nOne student, who previously struggled to focus during reading, is now captivated by a series of books about animals, sparking lively discussions and thoughtful questions. Another student has begun sharing connections between the stories and their own life experiences, which has boosted their confidence in expressing ideas. These moments remind me of how impactful these resources are for fostering not just academic growth, but also personal development.\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your generosity inspires my students to dream big and love learning!","fullyFundedDate":1735130323556,"projectUrl":"project/igniting-a-love-for-reading/8845768/","projectTitle":"Igniting a Love for Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benoit-Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5062795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705066431895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nbenoit"},{"teacherId":5062795,"projectId":8992122,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your support. We are using the fruit snacks as part of our brain break routine to help students recharge during transitions between lessons. One special moment occurred during a literacy lesson when a student, who was initially struggling to stay focused, took a short break with a fruit snack. After the break, they returned energized and more engaged, confidently participating in a reading activity. These snacks have become an essential tool for supporting their focus and promoting a positive learning environment.\r\n When the fruit snacks arrived, my students were overjoyed! Their eyes lit up with excitement, and they immediately expressed their gratitude. One student enthusiastically said, \"Wow, these are for us?\" It was heartwarming to see how something as simple as a snack could make them feel so appreciated and valued. The joy in their reactions reminded me of how impactful even small gestures can be in their daily lives.\r\n The next steps for my students include integrating brain breaks with fruit snacks into our structured learning routines to support their focus and regulation. For instance, during our upcoming science unit on habitats, we will use brain breaks to maintain their energy and enthusiasm as they explore hands-on activities and group discussions. These breaks will help them stay engaged and ready to tackle new challenges, ensuring they get the most out of each lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1733425376747,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-12-0/8992122/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-12-05","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benoit-Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5062795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705066431895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nbenoit"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_318","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":363,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"7.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.5,"schoolId":318,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 35 Franz Siegel School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 35 Franz Siegel School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-35-franz-sigel-school/318"}