{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS K396 Sid Miller Academy","outOfStateSupporters":34.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9280931,"projectId":9596660,"letterContent":"The new cleaning products, bulletin board paper, and borders have brought an incredible transformation to our classroom, and my students and I have been using them in meaningful and exciting ways. The cleaning supplies allowed us to start with a fresh slate. We spent time wiping down tables, disinfecting high-touch areas, and cleaning shared materials that had accumulated dust over time. This simple act of cleaning became a collaborative classroom project. Students took pride in helping make our classroom shine, and they quickly noticed how much nicer and more comfortable the room felt once everything was clean and organized. These refreshed bulletin boards now serve as an important backdrop for student work, learning objectives, and outcomes. We've designated sections of the boards to showcase student writing pieces, math work, birthday walls, and more. Your generosity allowed us to create a space that is cleaner, brighter, and more inspiring. My students feel valued, and I'm incredibly grateful for the difference these simple but powerful materials have made.","fullyFundedDate":1758202994572,"projectUrl":"project/shining-desks-inspiring-walls/9596660/","projectTitle":"Shining Desks, Inspiring Walls","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9280931_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761867004641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9280931"},{"teacherId":9280931,"projectId":9812881,"letterContent":"My students and I have been putting the iPad, chargers, and dry erase board to work every single day. The iPad has become our go-to tool for interactive learning, students rotate through a small-group station where they use it for reading apps, math practice, and creative projects. The dry erase boards have made a huge difference in our classroom. They help my students see information much bigger and more clearly, which has been especially helpful during whole-group lessons. Whether we're working through math problems or breaking down vocabulary words, the larger visual space keeps everyone focused and engaged.\r\nThe chargers may seem like small items, but to my students they meant that we no longer had to worry about devices dying in the middle of a lesson, something that had happened more often than you'd expect! The dry erase board also quickly became a class favorite, and students were eager to volunteer just so they could use it. Thank you so much for your contribution to our classroom","fullyFundedDate":1761848101448,"projectUrl":"project/powering-minds-tools-to-keep-students-e/9812881/","projectTitle":"Powering Minds: Tools to Keep Students Engaged and Connected","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9280931_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761867004641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9280931"},{"teacherId":10160375,"projectId":9549971,"letterContent":"We are so happy and so pleased that you gave us freely and willingly. Since we have received the gifts my students have been using the technology every time school is in session. They are take turns when using the device, which is a life skill we teach our students. All students enjoy the soft cushion to point where, when transitioning to another part of the room, they move with. It would seem that this is part of the process when transitioning to stations. It's a sight to behold! Thank you so much for donating to our class! We are truly grateful to you. We love using our technology in a soft and comfortable space","fullyFundedDate":1755438511076,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-technology/9549971/","projectTitle":"Sensory & Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10160375"},{"teacherId":8240471,"projectId":9603233,"letterContent":"The charging stations, iPad chargers, and screen protectors received through this project have already made such an impact in my students' education on a daily basis. They now have a way of charging their communication devices in school, and can have access to communication with their peers and teachers all day. It helps us give the devices enough charge for the evening our students have at home as well. \r\nThe screen protectors are needed to prevent damage caused by accidental drops or falls, as our students are not always steady on their feet or fully coordinated when moving around the classroom. \r\nThe chargers have also eased the minds of the teachers I work with each week. They are no longer stressing about how their students will communicate. They get to teach self advocacy skills of making requests for the devices getting charged when the students see their batteries getting low. \r\nThank you for the unending happiness you have provided my students.","fullyFundedDate":1756848246347,"projectUrl":"project/aac-recharge/9603233/","projectTitle":"AAC Recharge!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8240471_orig.jpg?crop=987,987,x1149,y1229&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755283916656","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8240471"},{"teacherId":9749536,"projectId":9467610,"letterContent":"I want to share my deepest appreciation for your incredible generosity in supporting my project,\r\n\"Everyone Deserves a Voice.\" Your donation has made a meaningful difference, and even though I was\r\nreassigned to a different school site soon after the materials arrived, I want to assure you that\r\neverything you funded is being used daily and is genuinely helping students who need these supports\r\nthe most. I cannot post photos due to my reassignment, but I can absolutely speak to the powerful\r\nimpact your kindness is having.\r\nThis project was designed to give students alternative ways to communicate, regulate, and participate\r\nin their learning environment. Many of my students are autistic and rely on routines, sensory tools, and\r\nstructured spaces to feel safe and successful. The items you funded weren't traditional pieces of\r\ntechnology, but they were just as critical. In fact, the alternative seating options, cubby storage, snacks,\r\nand other support materials you provided create a foundation that helps students stay regulated,\r\norganized, and ready to learn.\r\nThe alternative seating options, for example, have allowed students to choose a space that feels\r\ncomfortable and safe for their bodies. Many of my students struggle to sit still or maintain focus in a\r\ntraditional chair. With flexible seating like wobble cushions, floor seats, and soft seating choices, they\r\ncan move in ways that help them stay grounded and attentive. The staff shared that students\r\nimmediately gravitated toward these seats because the movement and comfort made learning time feel\r\nless overwhelming and more manageable.\r\nThe cubby storage has been another essential addition. For autistic learners, visual order and\r\npredictable routines help reduce stress. Having dedicated cubbies where students can store materials,\r\nsensory tools, and personal items gives them a consistent space they can rely on every single day. The\r\ncubes also help teachers maintain a structured classroom environment, which supports smoother\r\ntransitions and improves students' sense of independence.\r\nThe snacks you funded might seem like a small detail, but they have made an enormous difference.\r\nMany of my students rely on snack breaks to regulate their bodies and take short sensory pauses.\r\nSnacks help maintain energy, reduce frustration, and support a calm environment. Several students\r\nstruggle with hunger cues or irregular eating patterns, and having predictable access to snacks has\r\nhelped them stay focused and comfortable throughout the day. The teachers at my previous site told\r\nme that snack time has become a soothing routine that students truly enjoy.\r\nWhile I cannot capture these moments in photos, I can wholeheartedly share that these materials are\r\nbeing used exactly as intended and are deeply appreciated. These items support students in ways that\r\nhelp them feel more confident, more understood, and more capable. Your donation has allowed\r\nchildren who often struggle to communicate their needs to do so with greater ease. It has also given\r\nthem access to tools that help their bodies stay calm, which in turn opens the door for learning,\r\nparticipation, and joy.\r\nThank you again for believing in the importance of giving every child a voice. Your generosity has\r\ncreated a more inclusive, supportive, and accessible learning space. I am truly grateful for your\r\nkindness and for the lasting impact you've made on these amazing students.\r\nWith appreciation, Erica","fullyFundedDate":1754691803668,"projectUrl":"project/everyone-deserves-a-voice/9467610/","projectTitle":"Everyone Deserves a Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9749536_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755732661709","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9749536"},{"teacherId":9800874,"projectId":8871866,"letterContent":"When the math manipulatives and new whiteboard showed up, my students went wild with excitement! They couldn't wait to dive in. During our first lesson, we used the manipulatives to build numbers and practice place value. One student looked up at me and said, \"This makes math so much easier!\"—and the whole group nodded in agreement.\r\n\r\nWhen we unboxed everything, it honestly felt like a celebration. The kids were cheering, passing around the materials, and immediately asking, \"Can we use them today?\" The whiteboard has already become a class favorite, especially during small-group time. My students love coming up, showing their strategies, and getting that moment to \"be the teacher.\"\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be moving into multiplication and division, and I can already see how these tools will help my students really see the math, not just memorize it. Thanks to these resources, our lessons feel more hands-on, engaging, and fun—and my students are so proud of what they can do.","fullyFundedDate":1729195485090,"projectUrl":"project/increasing-hands-on-engaging-learning-an/8871866/","projectTitle":"Increasing Hands-On Engaging Learning And Activities In The Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. J. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9800874_orig.jpg?crop=445,445,x177,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728594693402","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800874"},{"teacherId":9568823,"projectId":9049599,"letterContent":"With smooth, lockable wheels, my students and I effortlessly roll the easel between classrooms, breakout areas, or even outdoors for activities—eliminating the need to haul the heavy one or depend on fixed wall spaces. I easily move the easel from the front of the class for direct instruction to a small-group station for collaborative work.\r\n\r\nThe built-in storage trays held markers, erasers, and teaching materials, reducing the need for multiple trips and preventing a cluttered desk. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the adjustable height feature made it comfortable for both young students and adults to write and view materials without strain.\r\n\r\nYour support in making the teaching and learning process so much easier is truly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1746707601622,"projectUrl":"project/a-moment-at-the-easel-makes-a-difference/9049599/","projectTitle":"A Moment at the Easel Makes a Difference","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fearon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9568823_orig.png?crop=639,639,x0,y14&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736612679612","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9568823"},{"teacherId":9280931,"projectId":9107573,"letterContent":"The new iPad has brought a new level of excitement and engagement to our classroom. My students are using it to play educational games that reinforce key reading skills, like identifying characters and setting in stories. It's helping them connect with these concepts in a fun, interactive way. They're also learning how to use the dictionary to look up and define their academic vocabulary words, building their independence and vocabulary skills at the same time.\r\n\r\nThey are especially excited about being able to learn through games like Pink Cat Games because it makes learning feel like play, and they love taking turns exploring new apps and activities.","fullyFundedDate":1745847031820,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-learning-exploring-subjects/9107573/","projectTitle":"Interactive Learning: Exploring Subjects with Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9280931_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761867004641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9280931"},{"teacherId":9280931,"projectId":9337806,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, the snacks from \"Fuel for Focus\" have made a big difference in our classroom! We've been using them during work time, especially when we're doing longer activities like reading or math.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes showed up, my students were so excited! They kept asking, \"What's in there?\" and when I told them it was snacks for them, they were thrilled.\r\n\r\nRight now, we've transitioned into our summer school program, and we're so glad to still have some snacks left over! My students will definitely be enjoying them, especially with the heat and the extra energy they need for all the hands-on activities we're doing.","fullyFundedDate":1747216774696,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-focus/9337806/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9280931_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761867004641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9280931"},{"teacherId":9280931,"projectId":9086307,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous support of our classroom snack project! Thanks to your kindness, my students now have reliable access to healthy snacks during the school day, and it's making a real difference.\r\n\r\nFrom the very first day the snacks arrived, the excitement was undeniable. The snacks have become a dependable part of our routine, helping students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. A student who typically struggles to stay on task asked for a snack before we began. Afterward, he stayed engaged the entire time, even volunteering to read aloud. That simple snack gave him the boost he needed to participate with confidence! \r\n\r\nAs we continue with our current lessons in reading and math, I've noticed an overall improvement in focus and participation. Thank you again for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1738959586389,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time-solutions-helping-students-s/9086307/","projectTitle":"Snack Time Solutions: Helping Students Stay Focused","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9280931_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761867004641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9280931"},{"teacherId":9320219,"projectId":8971588,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations for our Paint and Sip Club. It is so great to use our Club Fridays to be creative and paint with the students to create fun art projects. Here are all the ways we have been using the materials.\r\n We use the clipboards to help students paper stay steady and also as a hard surface for them to paint. The students use the different sizes in paintbrushes in different art projects such as painting their own snowfalls using the small brush to using the large brush to create geometrical lines using paper and tape to peel off. The smocks are used to make sure that students clothes are protected and the cleaning solution helps us to clean up after we have finished painting. It can get messy but the students enjoy creating something new during Club Fridays. \r\n The next steps for our project is using the materials to create art projects that they can share with family members or for special occasions such as Mother Day, Fathers Day and graduation. We hope to continue to enjoy our Club Fridays with the students and create more art projects. Thank you again for your donations towards our Donors Choose project. Continue to SOAR to greater heights!","fullyFundedDate":1733255147153,"projectUrl":"project/paint-and-sip-club-supplies/8971588/","projectTitle":"Paint and Sip Club Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Janine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9320219_orig.jpg?crop=2773,2773,x0,y258&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723061363451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/p396kv45"},{"teacherId":9280931,"projectId":8835430,"letterContent":"My students and I have been using the new Cozy Corner resources to create a space where they can take a break and regain focus when needed. The two bean bags and carpet provide a comfy area where students can retreat for a moment of relaxation, away from distractions. For example, during a particularly hectic lesson, one of my students who was feeling overwhelmed used the Cozy Corner to take a short break. After sitting there for a few minutes, they returned to the lesson feeling more settled and ready to participate.\r\nWhen my students first saw the Cozy Corner, they were curious and excited to explore the space. Many of them immediately wanted to try out the bean bags and see how comfortable they were. Some students were a little hesitant at first, unsure of how they could use the area, but once they saw others using it and how it helped them feel calmer, they started to use the space more confidently. It's been great to see them embracing the idea of having a quiet space to help them self-regulate and refocus during the day.","fullyFundedDate":1735581294467,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corners-a-calm-space-for-relaxatio/8835430/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corners: A Calm Space For Relaxation and Self-Regulation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9280931_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761867004641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9280931"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_815","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":155,"numTeachers":63,"percentFrplEligible":91,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":54,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":11,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":"2.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.6,"schoolId":815,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS K396 Sid Miller Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS K396 Sid Miller Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-396k/815"}