{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 503 the School of Discovery","outOfStateSupporters":43.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3105932,"projectId":9621600,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for your generosity to our project. You have certainly brought \r\n\"joy\" to our classroom community. My students look forward to our \"Choice Time\" period each week when they can converse with their peers during low stress gameplay and creativity building. \r\n\r\nMy students were shocked when they were presented with all the different activities they could choose from. From making bracelets for their friends (and teachers) to building different creations with Legos, blocks, and magnetic tiles...students are having so much fun trying out the different materials that were generously donated.\r\n\r\nWe hope that students will continue to try out different activities and build their social skills with their classmates throughout the year. You have inspired student laughter and fun each week in my classroom. Thank you again for the part you played in making 4th grade a memorable year for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1755953274189,"projectUrl":"project/the-power-of-play-bringing-joy-to-the-c/9621600/","projectTitle":"The Power of Play: Bringing Joy to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schrader","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3105932_orig.png?crop=338,338,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754411346513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3105932"},{"teacherId":2800592,"projectId":9670876,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support of our project, \"A Little Spot of Social Emotional Learning.\" Because of your kindness, my students now have the tools and language to better understand their feelings, express their emotions in healthy ways, and build stronger, more compassionate relationships with one another.\r\n\r\nSocial-emotional learning has always been an important part of our classroom community, but your donation has brought it to life in a new and meaningful way. The A Little Spot books and plushies have quickly become some of the most beloved and impactful resources in our room. They live in our calm corner—a dedicated space where students can take a break, reset, and explore their emotions. The calm corner has become a true safe haven, and these resources have made it even more inviting and purposeful.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, we introduced them to the class during our morning circle time. The moment I held up the plushies, a wave of excitement spread through the group. Students gasped, pointed, and smiled as I explained that each plushie represented a different feeling—happiness, anger, love, anxiety, sadness, and more. The enthusiasm was contagious. We read one of the A Little Spot stories together that morning, and it sparked an incredible discussion about how emotions can change throughout the day and that all feelings are okay.\r\n\r\nSince then, the books and plushies have become a regular part of our daily routine. During read-aloud time, we sometimes use the A Little Spot books to start conversations about empathy, problem-solving, and managing big emotions. Students love connecting the stories to real-life experiences—like sharing times they felt nervous before a test or proud after helping a friend. The plushies make these abstract ideas tangible; students can hold, point to, and physically engage with the \"spots\" as they talk through how they feel.\r\n\r\nOne of the most heartwarming moments so far has been watching students use the calm corner independently. In one of the photos I shared, you can see a student sitting in the calm corner, surrounded by the plushies. He carefully chose a book about feelings and set up the plushies next to him as he read. This student, who sometimes struggles with self-regulation, now visits the calm corner to help himself calm down and understand what he's feeling. When we're having class discussions about emotions, he often goes to the shelf, grabs the plushie that matches our topic, and proudly holds it up to share with the class. His comfort and confidence in expressing himself have grown tremendously—something that would not have been possible without these tools.\r\n\r\nBeyond individual use, the resources have positively influenced our entire classroom culture. Students are beginning to use emotional vocabulary more naturally in their everyday conversations. I now hear phrases like, \"I'm feeling a little frustrated, can I take a break?\" or \"I think you're showing your kindness spot!\" It's incredible to witness how these simple, colorful characters have empowered children to communicate their needs, show empathy for others, and navigate conflicts in a more thoughtful way.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students are learning lessons that extend far beyond academics—they're building emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness. These are skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. You didn't just give us books and plushies; you gave my students tools for lifelong growth, understanding, and kindness.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting our classroom and believing in the importance of social-emotional learning. Your generosity has truly made a difference, and every day I see the impact reflected in my students' words, actions, and smiles.","fullyFundedDate":1758839396081,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-spot-of-social-emotional-learni/9670876/","projectTitle":"A Little Spot of Social Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2800592_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722539025272","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2800592"},{"teacherId":2800592,"projectId":9741228,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity in supporting our \"Flexible Seating for Flexible Learning\" project. Because of your kindness, our classroom has transformed into a more dynamic, student-centered learning environment—one where movement, comfort, and focus all come together to support growth and success.\r\n\r\nWhen our new wobble chairs arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate and contagious. Several students exclaimed things like, \"These are so cool!\" and \"I can't wait to try this!\" Students quickly recognized that these weren't just \"fun chairs\"—they were tools that would help them learn and focus better.\r\n\r\nWe now use our new wobble chairs throughout the day in a variety of ways. At our kidney table, they've made a remarkable difference during small group instruction in Reading, Writing, and Math. Previously, students would sit on standard chairs that made it difficult for some to stay engaged or comfortable during longer lessons. Now, the wobble chairs allow students to gently move while staying seated, helping them maintain focus and channel their energy productively. I've noticed that students who previously struggled with sitting still are now able to stay in their seats longer and participate more actively in discussions. The constant small movements help them self-regulate without disrupting others—a small change that has had a big impact on learning outcomes.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments this year happened during a small reading group. A student who typically found it hard to focus during our guided reading sessions quietly said, \"I like this chair—it helps me think better.\" As we read a story together, I could see him leaning in, following along, and contributing thoughtful ideas about the text. It was such a powerful reminder that sometimes small environmental changes can open big doors for student engagement.\r\n\r\nWe also use the wobble chairs at our carpet area during lessons and collaborative activities. The chairs provide a sense of personal space while still keeping them part of the group.\r\n\r\nBeyond the day-to-day lessons, the addition of flexible seating has changed the overall tone of our classroom. It has encouraged independence and responsibility. Students take pride in choosing where and how they learn best, and they're learning to recognize what helps them stay focused. This element of choice has built a stronger sense of ownership and self-awareness in their learning process.\r\n\r\nI've also noticed that the wobble chairs foster collaboration and community. When students sit at the carpet or gather at the kidney table, they are more engaged, more willing to share ideas, and more respectful of one another's space. The chairs naturally encourage active listening and body awareness, which has led to improved group discussions and teamwork.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than just provide new furniture—it has helped create an environment that values movement, comfort, and inclusion. My students are learning not just content, but also how to understand their own learning needs and advocate for them. That's a skill that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of flexible learning and for helping me make this vision a reality. The joy and focus I see on my students' faces each day are a direct reflection of your generosity. You've helped create a classroom where every child has the opportunity to learn in a way that works best for them—and for that, we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758651954413,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-flexible-learning/9741228/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Flexible Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2800592_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722539025272","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2800592"},{"teacherId":2800592,"projectId":9650637,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through the \"Small Group Instruction for Optimized Learning\" project. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference this year.\r\n\r\nWhen the kidney table was constructed in our classroom, the students' faces lit up. They noticed immediately and one said, \"Is that our new learning table?\". They were excited to see that we had a new learning space just for us. That excitement translates into higher engagement: in small-group reading, more students volunteered answers. In writing, more students shared their drafts aloud. The table signalled to them that this time and place mattered—and that they mattered.\r\n\r\nEvery day, we gather around that table during small-group instruction time for Reading, Writing, and Math. The table is able to comfortably seat six students at a time so that they can receive targeted instruction to meet their needs. For example, during our writing period recently, I pulled a group of six students. While they sat at the table, I introduced a mentor writing piece to support and guide students in writing their own piece. The configuration allowed me to work with each student, lean in more closely, and provide immediate differentiated support. Then, during our reading lesson, another group met with my ENL co-teacher, Ms. Figueroa, at the same table to learn. She worked with students on a shared reading passage identifying literary elements and point of view. In math, my co-teacher, Ms. Rodriquez, met with a small group of struggling learners at the kidney table to break down addition strategies in to bite-sized steps. Students say they feel more focused and more willing to ask and answer questions when we're seated together in that intentional small-group space.\r\n\r\nBecause of this new setup, I've seen students become more confident, more independent, and more willing to stretch themselves. Students who were previously quiet in larger group settings are now actively participating at our kidney-table station. They're making stronger connections in their reading, moving from \"I don't know\" responses to richer answers like \"I think the character felt ... because ...\" In writing, more students are generating multiple ideas during brainstorming—then choosing one and developing it further—because they feel supported and seen in this small-group environment. In math, the intimate setting means fewer getting \"lost\".\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in this space and investing in my students. Because of your gift, our classroom has grown in community, connection, and achievement. I'm excited to see how much more we'll learn together this year.","fullyFundedDate":1756345533159,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-instruction-for-optimized-le/9650637/","projectTitle":"Small Group Instruction for Optimized Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2800592_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722539025272","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2800592"},{"teacherId":3105932,"projectId":9523284,"letterContent":"My students and I would like thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom flexible seating. Both the scoop chairs and the seat cushions have helped students feel comfortable and focused in our classroom. Our students are even more engaged and motivated during independent work and small group lessons. Whenever we have independent reading, students are given choice on what flexible seating they would prefer to use. They continue to make the seating choice that works best for them and their learning style.\r\n\r\n Our students were so excited and thankful when we first revealed the new seating options that were available to them. Our students have also been very responsible with using the seating in a safe and respectful way. They always put away the scoop chairs and seat cushions in an organized way to make sure they last the rest of this year and for future classes. We will continue to try out different times of the day when students can use the seating, such as partner work or in our calming corner. We can't imagine our classroom without these great seating choice, and it's all thanks to YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1754589275121,"projectUrl":"project/increasing-engagement-focus-and-collab/9523284/","projectTitle":"Increasing Engagement, Focus, and Collaboration with Flexible Seating.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schrader","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3105932_orig.png?crop=338,338,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754411346513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3105932"},{"teacherId":444769,"projectId":9430743,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. It has made all of the students in our classroom thrilled to read. Our students love to read on various platforms. At times, they love to listen to the stories. Headphones give our students the opportunity to listen and enjoy the story.\r\n\r\nThe headphones are extremely beneficial to our English Language Learners. Our students are able to listen to the fluency of the readier in the story. This helps our readers improve with their own fluency.\r\n\r\nThank you.","fullyFundedDate":1755302667582,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success-headphones/9430743/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success: Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp444769_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632775689803","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/444769"},{"teacherId":5254150,"projectId":9664955,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation toward our new small group teaching table! Your kindness has already made a meaningful difference in our 2nd grade classroom, and I wanted to share the impact with you.\r\n\r\nOur class serves a wonderful group of Title I and ENL (English as a New Language) students—many of whom are still developing their reading skills. Before we had this table, small group lessons were squeezed into tight corners or held at students' desks, which made it difficult to focus and connect.\r\n\r\nNow, with our new table, we have a dedicated space where students can gather close, see materials clearly, and work together comfortably. Each day, I meet with small reading groups at this table to practice phonics, sight words, and comprehension strategies. The students are more engaged, more confident, and excited to read!\r\n\r\nOne student recently told me, \"I like reading here because I can see all the words and everyone helps me.\" Moments like that remind me why this gift matters so much.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and giving them a space where learning feels special. Your support doesn't just provide furniture—it builds a foundation for literacy, confidence, and a love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1756768112351,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-table-for-big-learning/9664955/","projectTitle":"Small Group Table for Big Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cordes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5254150"},{"teacherId":9709567,"projectId":9374094,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our bilingual bookworms and making our classroom a cozy and safe reading room. Our students have loved the easy and accessible way of accessing their decodable books and topic books in both Spanish and English. They shop and switch books from their book baggies once a week by themselves. The rug and sitting spots have giving them extra flexible and comfortable seating during our independent reading period. Students can reach for them when they need a quieter corner to enjoy a good book.","fullyFundedDate":1750173288996,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corner-for-bilingual-bookworms/9374094/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corner for Bilingual Bookworms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Úrsula","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9709567_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x537,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747925871594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9709567"},{"teacherId":274295,"projectId":9128596,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students had the incredible opportunity to engage in a hands-on art project that combined creativity, skill-building, and self-expression—they sewed their very own stuffed animals (\"stuffies\") from scratch!\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the students saw the materials—bright fabrics, colorful threads, needles, and stuffing—their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. For many of them, this was their first time working with sewing supplies. One student hugged their finished creation and said, \"I made this all by myself? I didn't think I could.\" It was a powerful moment of pride and accomplishment.\r\n\r\nIn the classroom, the project became more than just an art activity—it turned into a lesson in perseverance, fine motor skills, and imagination. Students brainstormed designs, sketched their patterns, and then brought their visions to life with stitches and seams. One group even created a small \"stuffie family\" and began writing stories about their characters, turning this into a literacy and storytelling crossover project.\r\n\r\nNow that the stuffies are complete, our next steps involve creating a display and writing reflections about the process—what they learned, what challenged them, and what they're most proud of. We're also exploring the idea of sewing simple pouches or bookmarks next, to build on these new skills and continue nurturing their creative confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and giving these students the tools—and the encouragement—they needed to bring their ideas to life. This project made them feel seen, capable, and inspired.","fullyFundedDate":1743004269772,"projectUrl":"project/unleash-the-stuffies-part-2/9128596/","projectTitle":"Unleash the Stuffies! Part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Graupera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp274295_orig.jpg?crop=580,580,x29,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694952481234","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/graupera"},{"teacherId":12340,"projectId":8781316,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and co-teacher, we would like to send a heartfelt thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. Our classroom is a place where children come to school each day and have the tools to meet their learning needs; to explore and engage, socially, emotionally and academically. They are practicing their communication skills through play, and at the same time are strengthening fine and gross motor skills. Our new rugs are creating calming spaces where they can gather for playing and stories. Our students are learning to cooperate and problem-solve. The assortment of new STEM toys and art supplies are giving our students opportunities to develop essential social skills and express their creativity. \r\n\r\nThe more that children can learn about kindness and others, the better they learn about themselves and begin to grow empathy and compassion. Thank you for considering donating to help cultivate empathetic young children who can lead positive change in our world.\r\n\r\nOnce more, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1726686984298,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-fun/8781316/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luzung","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp12340_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449020034196","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cluzung"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_701","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":546,"numTeachers":94,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":16,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":75,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"5.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.1,"schoolId":701,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 503 the School of Discovery on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 503 the School of Discovery","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-503-luis-munoz-marin/701"}