{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 721K Occupational Training Center","outOfStateSupporters":35.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1104878,"projectId":9694275,"letterContent":"I cannot even begin to describe the impact of your donation to our students. \r\n\r\nWhen the packages first arrived to our school, the students excitedly opened each package. Their facial expression said it all: they were grateful. \r\n\r\nYour support has provided us with essential tools such as knives, vegetable chopper, chopping board - each playing a vital role in helping our students learn basic life skills in the kitchen more effectively. These resources make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students every single day, creating a more inclusive, focused, and supportive environment. Your kindness is not only felt in the materials you've given but in the confidence, comfort and engagement they inspire in our students. Thank you for believing in the importance of acquiring life skills in students who are differently abled and for investing in our kids' growth and success.","fullyFundedDate":1761051953482,"projectUrl":"project/garden-to-kitchen-initiative-part-2/9694275/","projectTitle":"Garden to Kitchen Initiative Part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1104878_orig.jpg?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632458033135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/piastana-antoine"},{"teacherId":10237625,"projectId":9674675,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our counseling service department received a much-needed boost in dignity, confidence, and care. The hygiene products you helped provide—everything from toothbrushes and deodorant to soap and sanitary items—have made a profound difference for our students. These essentials are often taken for granted, but for many of our learners, they were out of reach. Now, students can focus on learning without the distraction or discomfort of unmet basic needs.\r\n\r\nI'll never forget the moment we introduced the hygiene kits. One student quietly asked, \"Is this really for me?\"—his eyes wide with disbelief. Another student clutched her items and whispered, \"Now I won't have to miss school.\" These moments reminded us that learning starts with feeling safe, seen, and cared for. Since receiving the supplies, we've incorporated hygiene lessons into our life skills curriculum, using the materials to model routines, build independence, and spark conversations about self-care and self-worth.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're planning to offer these hygiene products to any student in the building who needs them, helping to promote confidence and self-care.","fullyFundedDate":1758636554119,"projectUrl":"project/building-life-skills-through-hygiene/9674675/","projectTitle":"Building Life Skills Through Hygiene","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Victoria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10237625"},{"teacherId":10015254,"projectId":9320855,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing my students with such outstanding equipment and supplies. Your contribution has had a meaningful and lasting impact on our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students are developing valuable vocational skills that will support their journey toward greater independence and empower them to become productive members of society.\r\n\r\nAs an educator working with students with special needs, I know how critical vocational training is to their future success. Even more essential, however, is having access to adaptive equipment that enables them to fully engage in these experiences. The Carolina cart has been an incredible addition to our classroom. Its mobility and spacious design make it easy for students to access materials and stay actively involved in their learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to this funded project, my students now operate a small chocolate factory within our school. They create handmade chocolate treats and sell them to both students and staff throughout the building. This initiative has not only taught them practical job skills but has also instilled a sense of pride, ownership, and confidence in their work.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support. You have truly made a difference in the lives of our students, and we thank you for believing in their potential","fullyFundedDate":1747190719617,"projectUrl":"project/melting-barriers-with-chocolate/9320855/","projectTitle":"Melting Barriers With Chocolate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Velez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10015254_orig.jpg?crop=250,250,x0,y113&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746467300988","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10015254"},{"teacherId":7865094,"projectId":9319662,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire class and staff, we extend our deepest gratitude for your incredible contribution to the fund for our new embroidery machine.\r\n\r\nWhen we unboxed the delivery, our students were shocked! Their excitement was contagious, and it was truly heartwarming to witness their curiosity and enthusiasm as they imagined the creative possibilities ahead. This gift has already sparked new ideas and opened doors for hands-on learning that we couldn't have imagined before.\r\n\r\nOur staff is equally thrilled. We're eager to explore how this new tool can support student learning, foster independence, and encourage artistic expression. Your generosity has not only provided a machine, it has empowered a community of learners and educators.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us bring innovation and creativity into our classroom","fullyFundedDate":1755372680583,"projectUrl":"project/sew-many-more-possibilities-adding-embr/9319662/","projectTitle":"Sew Many More Possibilities: Adding Embroidery to Class Customization Vocation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Furtado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7865094_orig.jpg?crop=382,382,x0,y45&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621448212017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-furtadoteaches"},{"teacherId":4868571,"projectId":9317933,"letterContent":"We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations that provided the necessary funds for purchasing supplies for our community-based work program. Your kindness has made a significant impact, enabling us to acquire essential items such as laminators, laminating sheets, plastic covers for carts, bags for work folders, IDs, and uniforms.\r\n\r\nThe project has greatly enhanced our students' learning by providing them with the tools needed to engage more effectively in vocational training. With the new materials, we were able to implement hands-on activities that fostered skill development and boosted confidence and communication. The students are now better equipped to tackle real-world tasks, and their sense of professionalism has increased, which is crucial as they prepare for the potential of future employment.\r\n\r\nThe students deeply appreciate your support. These resources not only help us look more professional but also enhance our learning experience as they acquire new vocational skills. Your contributions empower us to make a meaningful difference in our community, and we are truly thankful for your continued support.\r\n\r\nYou're the best!","fullyFundedDate":1750003252763,"projectUrl":"project/seal-of-approval-for-supplies/9317933/","projectTitle":"Seal of Approval for Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goodheart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4868571_orig.png?crop=283,283,x0,y59&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637548046216","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4868571"},{"teacherId":2657978,"projectId":8151774,"letterContent":"Donating to the classroom sensory corner had a significant and positive impact on special needs learners, enhancing both their learning environment and emotional well-being. The new sensory tools and resources, such as a bean bag chair, rug, fidget items, and textured materials, provided students with essential outlets to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and stay focused. With access to a well-equipped sensory corner, learners were better able to self-soothe during moments of overwhelm, leading to improved behavior, increased engagement in lessons, and greater independence. The donation also communicated to the students that their needs matter, helping build self-esteem and a stronger sense of belonging within the classroom community. It is easily their favorite spot in our classroom, thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1715186968218,"projectUrl":"project/autism-classroom-sensory-corner/8151774/","projectTitle":"Autism Classroom - Sensory Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Accurso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2657978"},{"teacherId":2657978,"projectId":8291817,"letterContent":"Creating hospital care packages for people in nursing homes had a deeply enriching impact on our special needs learners. The project gave them a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of others, fostering a strong sense of empathy, purpose, and community connection. As they selected items, assembled packages, and created personalized touches like notes or artwork, learners practiced important life skills such as organization, fine motor coordination, and following directions. The activity also provided opportunities for social interaction and teamwork, boosting communication skills and confidence. Most importantly, it allowed special needs learners to experience the joy of giving and see themselves as capable, compassionate individuals making a real difference in someone else's life. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1711716343161,"projectUrl":"project/care-packages-for-hospital-patients/8291817/","projectTitle":"Care Packages for Hospital Patients","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Accurso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2657978"},{"teacherId":2657978,"projectId":6851690,"letterContent":"Donations that were given to our project had a profound and transformative impact on our special needs learners, significantly enhancing their educational experience and overall well-being. With the funds received, the project was able to provide tailored learning resources that addressed each learner's unique needs. \r\n\r\nCreating cards for people in the military had a positive and empowering impact on our special needs learners. The activity provided a meaningful opportunity for them to express gratitude, practice empathy, and engage in purposeful communication. Through drawing, writing, and crafting, learners developed fine motor skills, creativity, and self-confidence in a supportive environment. Working on the cards also fostered a sense of pride and contribution, helping them feel connected to a larger cause and valued by their community. The project encouraged teamwork, social interaction, and emotional expression, all of which are essential for personal growth and inclusion. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1664460540444,"projectUrl":"project/operation-gratitude/6851690/","projectTitle":"Operation Gratitude","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Accurso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2657978"},{"teacherId":525462,"projectId":9361548,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, and especially our incredible students, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contributions. Your support has truly transformed the learning experience for our special needs students, opening up new avenues for creativity, communication, and confidence.\r\n\r\nThanks to your thoughtful donations of a video recorder, microphones, and a stand, our students now have the professional tools they need to embark on an exciting new journey: creating their very own news and weather broadcasts! This project is more than just an activity; it's a powerful platform for growth.","fullyFundedDate":1747752278211,"projectUrl":"project/nuestro-mundo-nuestra-voz-climate-new/9361548/","projectTitle":"“Nuestro Mundo, Nuestra Voz: Climate News by Student Journalists”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp525462_orig.jpg?crop=894,894,x805,y424&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664156011521","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agonzalez"},{"teacherId":9229890,"projectId":9234151,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our sessions has become a vibrant space where students not only grow as readers but also as artists and empathetic individuals. Your support of our project, \"Embracing Uniqueness Through Literacy: Celebrating Deafness,\" has made a lasting impact.\r\nThe books you helped provide have introduced powerful themes of identity, acceptance, and communication. Alongside these texts, the art supplies you funded have allowed students to express their understanding in deeply personal and creative ways. From illustrating scenes to designing their own storybooks, students are now engaging with literature through both language and art.\r\nReading in our classroom is now a multi-sensory experience. We use visual storytelling, sign language, and art to explore characters' emotions and motivations. This has been especially meaningful for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing, as they see themselves reflected in the stories and feel empowered to share their own.\r\nOne student, who often struggled to express emotions verbally, created a beautiful collage after reading a book about a Deaf character navigating friendship. Through their artwork, they shared feelings of pride, frustration, and joy—sparking a class discussion about empathy and understanding.\r\nYour donation has helped us build not just literacy skills, but also emotional intelligence and self-expression. Thank you for helping us celebrate every student's uniqueness and for making our classroom a place where all voices—spoken, signed, and drawn—are heard.","fullyFundedDate":1746368422182,"projectUrl":"project/embracing-uniqueness-through-literacy-c/9234151/","projectTitle":"Embracing Uniqueness Through Literacy: Celebrating Deafness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9229890_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726089283732","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9229890"},{"teacherId":5279497,"projectId":8486014,"letterContent":"I want to thank you for your generous support for this important project. Our science team lead each student and class in our program in creating a car that they would use to study the effects of gravity and friction on the movement and speed of their car. \r\n\r\nWhen students first received their cars they were so excited to get to work on designing and decorating them. Throughout the unit, the car became so much more than a crafting project, it became a tool for deep learning. \r\n\r\nAt the end of the unit, classes competed in a pinewood derby, racing their cars on the track to put their project to the final test. It was a fun day for all that got to participate. We are looking forward to continuing this type of learning and making the pinewood derby an annual tradition at 721K.","fullyFundedDate":1730219551488,"projectUrl":"project/physics-can-be-fun/8486014/","projectTitle":"Physics Can Be Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sutin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5279497_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522589066990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/acesgarden"},{"teacherId":9229890,"projectId":8930508,"letterContent":"I am delighted to share the incredible impact your generous donations have had on our hearing sessions through the \"Hear and Thrive: Supporting Mental Health and Hearing Loss Acceptance\" project. The new resources, including books on deaf and hard of hearing, as well as art supplies such as paint, markers, pencils, sketchbooks, sensory toys, and puppets, have helped my students better understand their hearing loss. These materials have also enhanced their expressive language skills by encouraging them to be creative, draw characters from the stories, and express their hearing needs. This has been very transformative for my students.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were so excited to receive something new to try. They eagerly explored the books, finding relatable stories and valuable information that helped them better understand their hearing loss. One memorable moment was when a student discovered a character in a book who shared similar experiences. This connection made them feel less isolated and more empowered to embrace their unique abilities.\r\n\r\nWe have integrated these resources into our daily lessons, focusing on building self-confidence and emotional resilience. For example, students have been using the books to learn strategies for coping with their emotions and developing self-advocacy skills. The practical advice and emotional support provided by these materials have significantly boosted their mental well-being.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to continue using these resources to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Our next steps include creating projects where students can share their stories and experiences, further enhancing their sense of community and belonging.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact on our students' lives, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions. Thank you for helping us create a brighter future for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1739569948031,"projectUrl":"project/hear-and-thrive-supporting-mental-healt/8930508/","projectTitle":"Hear and Thrive: Supporting Mental Health and Hearing Loss Acceptance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9229890_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726089283732","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9229890"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_816","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":28,"numTeachers":79,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":36,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":".4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.8,"schoolId":816,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 721K Occupational Training Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 721K Occupational Training Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-721k-occup-trng-center/816"}