{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 69 Daniel D Tompkins","outOfStateSupporters":26.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10263651,"projectId":9765835,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students, staff, and families, thank you for your generous contribution toward the creation of our elementary school wellness space. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our children.\r\n\r\nThis wellness space provides a safe, calming environment where students can regulate their emotions, build coping skills, and take the breaks they need to be successful learners. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to tools and resources that support their mental, emotional, and physical well-being during the school day.\r\n\r\nWe see the impact of your kindness every day—in students who feel calmer, more confident, and better prepared to learn and grow. Your investment goes far beyond the space itself; it helps foster a nurturing school community where every child feels supported and valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us create a healthier, more compassionate learning environment. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1764719812610,"projectUrl":"project/wellness-spaces/9765835/","projectTitle":"Wellness Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. E.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10263651"},{"teacherId":10263651,"projectId":9747978,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students, staff, and families, thank you for your generous donation in support of our school's sensory space. Your kindness and commitment to our community make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we are able to create a safe, calming, and inclusive environment where students can regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and develop essential self-regulation skills. This sensory space will be especially impactful for students who benefit from additional sensory support, helping them feel more comfortable, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your generosity and belief in our mission. Your donation is not just an investment in a space, but in the well-being, growth, and success of our students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support and partnership. We truly appreciate your contribution to our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1758850481234,"projectUrl":"project/wellness-room/9747978/","projectTitle":"Wellness Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. E.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10263651"},{"teacherId":3880538,"projectId":9701610,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us create a cozy reading corner in our third grade classroom! Because of your generosity, our students now have access to exciting new books and comfortable bean bags that have made reading time extra special.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new books and bean bags every day during independent reading and our daily reading rotations. The students are more excited to read with a new space like this one. The cozy space has encouraged even our most reluctant readers to pick up a book and give it a try, and students are excited to share their favorite stories with classmates.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the students were so excited! They couldn't wait to explore the new books. The bean bags were an instant hit, and students loved having a comfortable, welcoming space that made reading feel fun and relaxing.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students a space where they feel comfortable, confident, and excited to read. We are so grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1758850481039,"projectUrl":"project/reading-relaxation-a-cozy-corner-for/9701610/","projectTitle":"\"Reading & Relaxation: A Cozy Corner for Every Story\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aloisio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3880538"},{"teacherId":8649430,"projectId":9711758,"letterContent":"The arrival of the \"Exploring Science Library\" has completely transformed our classroom environment into a hub of active inquiry. When the boxes first arrived, the students' reactions were nothing short of electric; there were audible gasps and cheers as they unpacked vibrant books on everything from astrophysics to marine biology. One student, who previously struggled to stay engaged during reading periods, immediately grabbed a book on tectonic plates and hasn't put it down since. We are currently using these resources to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world application. Moving forward, these resources will serve as the backbone for our upcoming Capstone Research Project. Now that the students have a foundational understanding of scientific literacy thanks to your gift, their next step is to choose a \"Global Challenge\"—such as water scarcity or plastic pollution—and use the library to conduct deep-dive literature reviews. This week, we are transitioning from guided reading to independent investigation, where students will learn how to cross-reference information between multiple texts to form a scientific hypothesis. Your contribution didn't just provide books; it provided the tools for my students to see themselves as future scientists capable of solving complex problems.","fullyFundedDate":1758157733902,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-science-library/9711758/","projectTitle":"Exploring Science Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lindsay Piñeiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8649430"},{"teacherId":1447898,"projectId":9764953,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our DonorsChoose project, \"Inspire Musical Dreams in Our Elementary Band Program.\" Because of your generosity, our students received new instruments, essential supplies, method books, and resources that have had a profound impact on their learning, confidence, creativity, and joy in music. \r\n\r\nOur elementary concert band program serves a diverse group of learners, many of whom had never held a musical instrument before. Prior to receiving this support, budget limitations meant that students often had to share instruments, use outdated supplies, or wait their turn to practice basic techniques. Now, thanks to you, every child in our band program has access to high-quality instruments—including flutes, trombones, clarinet saxophone, and percussion accessories—so that they can truly participate and grow as musicians. \r\n\r\nWith each shipment, the excitement in the classroom was palpable. Students immediately gravitated toward their new supplies with enthusiasm and pride. I was struck not only by their eagerness but by the sense of ownership and responsibility they felt for their own learning. One student, Noah, was vocal in sharing his surprise with the generosity of strangers. \"Wow! A stranger gave money to our band and they dont even know us!\", highlights the deep impact that other people have, strangers who don't even know them personally, are willingly investing in these children. This gave many of the children a motivation and sense of responsibility to work hard so they can make the investment of these anonymous \"heros\" worthwhile. \r\n\r\nThe method books and instructional materials you provided have also been instrumental in shaping our lessons. With books tailored to beginning band students, we have been able to introduce structured learning pathways that build skills incrementally. Students are now learning to read music, understand rhythm and tone, and work toward group performances with confidence. The joy of seeing a student master their first note, then their first song, is something that never gets old. \r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful outcomes of this project has been the way it has fostered teamwork and community. Band is not a solitary activity; it requires listening, collaboration, and mutual support. Our students have grown closer as they learn to play together, blending sounds and encouraging one another when challenges arise. There is a shared sense of purpose and accomplishment that has transformed not just our music room but our school culture. \r\n\r\nCreation makes a student take ownership in their learning. Each time Maria assembles her new flute her eyes light up with anticipation of the possibilities in store- A new experience with each note, each melody, each moment. She is even more grateful for the flute because it gave her the opportunity to take part in a secondary band program. Without the donation she would not have this enriching musical experience. And this is only one example if the many grateful young musicians! \r\n\r\nYour support has also opened doors that many of our families could not have afforded on their own. For some students, this was their first real opportunity to explore music in a meaningful way—an opportunity that could spark a lifelong passion or even a future career. Your gifts have removed barriers, created equity, and shown our students that their talents and dreams matter. \r\n\r\nIn the months since receiving our materials, we have had many informal rehearsals, and at the end of each song or exercise, the children are always bubbling with excitement and the pure joy that comes from achievement of each small victory. At the end of one researsal, Ryan, a trombone player, told me, \"I didn't know I could do this. Thank you for helping us learn!\"—words that truly capture the transformation made possible by your generosity. \r\n\r\nAs the year continues, we look forward to building on this momentum with more ensemble experiences, community performances, and opportunities for leadership within the band. We know that the skills our students are gaining—discipline, collaboration, self-expression, resilience—will benefit them in all areas of life.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and in the power of music education. Your generosity has literally helped our students find their voices and inspired them to reach for new possibilities.","fullyFundedDate":1760721019949,"projectUrl":"project/inspire-musical-dreams-in-our-elementary/9764953/","projectTitle":"Inspire Musical Dreams in Our Elementary Band Program","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1447898_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759163736714","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1447898"},{"teacherId":7740534,"projectId":9612098,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping give my students the tools they need to learn in a bright, organized, and creative classroom. Your support has already made a meaningful difference in our daily routines and learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe materials from this project — including rainbow baskets, pastel pencils, laptop trays, bulletin board borders and letters, a rolling storage cabinet, a pencil dispenser, book organizers, timers, an art supply organizer, dry erase boards, and even simple paper clips — have helped transform our classroom into a calm, welcoming space where students feel capable and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nWith the pastel trays and baskets, students can easily access the supplies they need, which encourages independence and saves valuable class time. Storage cabinets and supply organizers keep materials neat, accessible, and ready for learning, allowing us to focus more on instruction and less on transitions. Timers help us stay on track throughout the day, and dry erase boards support engagement and participation across subjects.\r\n\r\nThe bulletin board decorations have been especially meaningful — students love seeing their work proudly displayed, which builds confidence and a sense of ownership in our classroom community. Every item you helped provide contributes to an environment where learning feels joyful, organized, and purposeful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for helping create a classroom where they feel supported, motivated, and proud of their work. Your generosity truly makes a lasting impact.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude, \r\nErin O'Brien Bernhardt \r\n💙","fullyFundedDate":1755697718998,"projectUrl":"project/a-pop-of-pastel-organization-that-inspi/9612098/","projectTitle":"A Pop of Pastel: Organization That Inspires Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bernhardt's Classroom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7740534_orig.png?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611857778266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7740534"},{"teacherId":7740534,"projectId":9704277,"letterContent":"Dear Donor,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our classroom through this project. My third graders are curious, energetic, and full of excitement for learning, and your generosity has truly helped create an environment where they can thrive every single day.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest changes has been our new storage cabinet. It has completely transformed our classroom by keeping materials organized, visible, and easily accessible. Students are now able to independently find what they need, take responsibility for classroom supplies, and transition smoothly between activities. This organization has reduced distractions and allowed us to spend more time learning and less time searching — a huge win for both students and teacher!\r\n\r\nAll of the materials you helped provide are already making a meaningful impact. Sweet stickers motivate students to celebrate their successes, big and small. The greater than, less than, and equal to magnets have made math lessons hands-on and interactive. Need-help mini flip charts and management magnets empower students to self-advocate and stay organized throughout the day.\r\n\r\nHeadphones support focused, independent work during literacy and math centers, while classroom timers keep us on track during transitions. Colored paper and cardstock have brought creativity into our writing, math, and art projects, making learning more engaging and joyful. Clorox wipes help us maintain a clean and healthy classroom so students can learn safely.\r\n\r\nThese resources support every part of our day — from reading and writing to math, independent work, and building a strong classroom community. Because of you, my students feel supported, confident, and excited to learn in a space that is organized, welcoming, and full of opportunity.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping create a classroom where learning is joyful and every child feels cared for and ready to succeed.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude, \r\nErin O'Brien Bernhardt \r\nThird Grade Teacher 💙","fullyFundedDate":1758865619938,"projectUrl":"project/scoops-of-success-tools-to-help-us-lear/9704277/","projectTitle":"Scoops of Success: Tools to Help Us Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bernhardt's Classroom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7740534_orig.png?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611857778266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7740534"},{"teacherId":8649430,"projectId":9634025,"letterContent":"The new technology has transformed our classroom into a dynamic STREAM lab where students transition from passive observers to active creators. While most people use computers for communication or browsing, my students are using this device as a digital microscope, a drafting table, and a coding terminal. For example, in our engineering units, they no longer just draw structures on paper; they use the computer to build 3D models and run stress tests to see if their designs can hold weight. This \"fail-forward\" environment allows them to visualize complex math and science concepts in real-time, making abstract theories feel tangible and exciting.\r\n\r\nThe most rewarding part of this journey has been watching specific students find their voice through this technology. One student who previously struggled with traditional writing assignments has completely blossomed, using the computer to organize their thoughts and integrate digital art into their storytelling. The sense of agency the students feel when they master a new software program is palpable; they aren't just \"playing\" on a screen—they are building the skills required for the modern workforce. Your donation hasn't just provided a tool; it has unlocked a level of confidence and curiosity that will stay with these students long after they leave my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757683735259,"projectUrl":"project/technology-for-stream/9634025/","projectTitle":"Technology For STREAM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lindsay Piñeiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8649430"},{"teacherId":9610854,"projectId":9760661,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our music classroom at PS 69. Because of your generosity, my 3rd–5th grade students now have a music whiteboard that allows them to clearly see and understand notes, rhythms, and musical patterns.\r\n\r\nThis visual tool has increased student engagement and confidence as we clap rhythms, decode melodies, and compose our own music. Your support has made a meaningful difference for students in a historically underfunded classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students see the music they love to make.","fullyFundedDate":1758908340879,"projectUrl":"project/writing-our-way-through-music/9760661/","projectTitle":"Writing Our Way Through Music!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rhoades","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9610854_orig.jpg?crop=97,97,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757614707742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9610854"},{"teacherId":9610854,"projectId":9760996,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now alive with music! With the new guitars and equipment, my students are learning rhythm, melody, and teamwork while discovering the joy of self-expression.\r\n\r\nMany of my students face challenges outside of school, but music gives them confidence, focus, and a positive outlet. I've already seen shy students strum their first chord with pride and collaborate on creating their own songs.\r\n\r\nYour support has given our students tools that will inspire them for years, helping them find their voices—one string at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1758845855999,"projectUrl":"project/from-strings-to-stars-future-guitarists/9760996/","projectTitle":"From Strings to Stars: Future Guitarists in Training","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rhoades","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9610854_orig.jpg?crop=97,97,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757614707742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9610854"},{"teacherId":7032249,"projectId":9692059,"letterContent":"file:///C:/Users/evebe/Downloads/IMG_1861.jpg\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of you, my students are now using these new resources every day to deepen their learning. One of our favorite moments now is being able to access the appropriate materials easily so that they may work together, exploring new concepts. I watch students collaborate, ask thoughtful questions, and show a level of independence, autonomy and engagement that truly brings the lessons to life.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were beyond excited. Their faces lit up as we organized everything together, and they immediately wanted to know how we were able to obtain these storage units. Many students commented that it made them feel confident, honored and proud to now have immediate access to their tools that help them learn in new and meaningful ways. Your generosity helped create this atmosphere and they will remember this for a long time.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to play a big role in our classroom, as we are now able to easily interchange stations and materials for each unit, module and topic. Students will use them to build skills, practice problem-solving, and apply what they are learning in creative ways. Thank you for giving my students this opportunity and for supporting our classroom. Your kindness truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1758865619730,"projectUrl":"project/storage-haven/9692059/","projectTitle":"Storage Haven","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rossi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7032249"},{"teacherId":8649430,"projectId":9640317,"letterContent":"Depending on who you ask, \"Super Science\" refers to two very different things: a legendary pulp fiction magazine from the 1940s or a modern educational powerhouse by Scholastic. Both are remarkably beneficial for different reasons—one for fueling the imagination and the other for building the foundations of future scientists.\r\n\r\n1. Scholastic's SuperScience (Now SuperSTEM)\r\nFor students in grades 3–6, this magazine is a vital educational tool. Its primary benefit is accessibility. It takes complex scientific concepts—from climate change to robotic engineering—and translates them into \"kid-friendly\" language without losing technical accuracy.\r\n\r\nInterdisciplinary Learning: It bridges the gap between Literacy and Science. By reading informational texts, students improve their reading comprehension while simultaneously learning about the world.\r\n\r\nReal-World Application: Instead of abstract formulas, the magazine focuses on current events. It shows how science solves modern problems, such as how researchers use topography to predict lava flow or how engineers design guide-dog harnesses.\r\n\r\n\r\nHands-on Engagement: Each issue includes \"low-prep\" experiments. These allow students to move from passive reading to active investigation, which is a cornerstone of the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).\r\n\r\n\r\n2. Super Science Stories (The Pulp Era)\r\nIn the 1940s and 50s, Super Science Stories was a \"training ground\" for some of the greatest minds in literature and science, including Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein.\r\n\r\nInspiring Innovation: Many of today's real-world technologies, such as voice assistants and tablet computers, were first conceptualized in the pages of pulp magazines. They provided a \"mental laboratory\" for what might be possible.\r\n\r\nEncouraging Speculative Thinking: By presenting \"impossible\" scenarios, the magazine encouraged readers to look at the stars and ask, \"How do we get there?\" This speculative spirit is what eventually drove the Apollo space missions.\r\n\r\n3. The Core Benefits of Both\r\nRegardless of the format, \"Super Science\" media serves three major functions:\r\n\r\nA. Building Background Knowledge\r\nMagazines provide a wide breadth of topics that textbooks often miss. A student might read about deep-sea microbes one month and black holes the next, building a rich \"mental library\" of facts.\r\n\r\nB. Developing Graphical Literacy\r\nBoth the modern and classic versions rely heavily on visual aids. Modern SuperScience uses \"dashboard-style\" graphics to help students learn how to read charts, maps, and diagrams—a skill essential for any STEM career.\r\n\r\nC. Fostering a \"Scientific Identity\"\r\nWhen children (or adults) see science presented as an exciting, ever-changing adventure rather than a list of facts to memorize, they are more likely to see themselves as participants in that field. It transforms science from a \"school subject\" into a \"way of seeing the world.\"","fullyFundedDate":1757502110475,"projectUrl":"project/science-magazines/9640317/","projectTitle":"Science Magazines","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lindsay Piñeiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8649430"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1184","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":673,"numTeachers":101,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":37,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"6.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.1,"schoolId":1184,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 69 Daniel D Tompkins on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 69 Daniel D Tompkins","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-69-daniel-tompkins/1184"}