{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 8 Luis Belliard","outOfStateSupporters":46.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":29314,"projectId":9419100,"letterContent":"The number one indicator for student success is the ability to read. Having high interest, grade appropriate text is a great way to spark that interest that will build life long readers and thinkers.\r\n\r\nScholastic has student focused articles and text that meet them where they are developmentally, and push them to interact with learning standards. I am thankful for the digital copies because it allows me more flexibility in assigning and using the materials.\r\n\r\nThis is the one thing I ask for each year, and each year Donors like you always support my kiddos and my classroom. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755730796914,"projectUrl":"project/high-interest-grade-appropriate-reading/9419100/","projectTitle":"High Interest, Grade Appropriate Reading with Scholastic News and Storyworks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McDougall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp29314_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459096252207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/robert-mcdougall"},{"teacherId":29314,"projectId":9427423,"letterContent":"If you only knew the level of excitement that kids get when boxes are delivered. The kiddos all went crazy for the \"snack\" boxes, and me and my co-teacher got excited for the cleaning products. We were all equally excited about the colorful dry erase markers. The school does supply us with drab \"black\" markers, so getting colorful ones made the kids automatically more interested in using their whiteboard to show their thinking.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our students and classroom. It means more than you know. Thank yoU!","fullyFundedDate":1756844626139,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-essentials/9427423/","projectTitle":"Back to School Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McDougall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp29314_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459096252207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/robert-mcdougall"},{"teacherId":441694,"projectId":8953473,"letterContent":"The sensory walls have become an incredible part of our daily routines! We use them to support sensory regulation, fine motor development, and language exploration. Each panel offers a different texture, sound, or interactive feature that encourages hands-on learning. One special project we started is called \"Texture Explorers.\" In this activity, students explore different textures on the wall and then describe them using sensory words like \"rough,\" \"bumpy,\" \"soft,\" or \"squishy.\" We even made a \"texture book\" where students matched real textures to drawings and words—a fun blend of literacy and sensory learning!\r\n\r\nThey were absolutely captivated! There were smiles, excited chatter, and lots of hands reaching out to explore. Many of our students are sensory seekers, so having something so hands-on and interactive right at their level was like a dream come true. One student gasped and said, \"Whoa, I can touch all of this?\"—which pretty much summed up everyone's reaction.\r\n\r\nWe're also planning a collaborative art project where students will create their own mini sensory boards using materials like sandpaper, feathers, and bubble wrap. It's a great way for them to express themselves while continuing to build on what they've learned through the sensory walls.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these materials has been incredible. Our students are more engaged, more communicative, and more confident in their sensory experiences—and we're just getting started!","fullyFundedDate":1733269260395,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-bliss/8953473/","projectTitle":"Sensory Bliss","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doyle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp441694_orig.jpg?crop=1160,1160,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718981721908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/441694"},{"teacherId":441694,"projectId":8911722,"letterContent":"We've been incorporating the ball pit and swing into a variety of sensory activities that help our students develop motor skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. One specific project we've worked on is called \"Exploration through Movement.\" During this project, we encourage students to use the swing as a way to regulate their bodies—whether it's for calming down during moments of overwhelm or to help with focus and coordination. The ball pit has also become a favorite place for our students to practice sensory integration by feeling the textures of the balls and interacting with their peers in a low-stress, fun environment.\r\n\r\nIn one memorable moment, one of our students, who often finds it hard to sit still and engage, spent time in the ball pit sorting the balls by color and size. It was a huge breakthrough for them in terms of concentration, and they were so proud to share their \"findings\" with the class. The ball pit has really helped them with tactile exploration, and the swing is perfect for those who need that extra bit of motion to help them focus or relax.\r\n\r\nThe reaction was absolutely priceless! When the students first saw the ball pit and swing, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. For many of them, this was the first time they'd encountered materials like these in an educational setting, so the novelty alone was a huge draw. Some students were hesitant at first, especially with the swing, but after we introduced it in a safe and controlled way, they quickly warmed up to it.\r\n\r\nThe next step for our students will involve using both the swing and ball pit in combination with new lessons on emotional expression and self-regulation. We plan to start a \"Feelings in Motion\" project where we'll explore how movement can help with managing different emotions. For example, we'll use the swing to talk about how gentle rocking can calm anxiety or how jumping into the ball pit can release some pent-up energy in a safe way.","fullyFundedDate":1730737501236,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-explorers/8911722/","projectTitle":"Sensory Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doyle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp441694_orig.jpg?crop=1160,1160,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718981721908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/441694"},{"teacherId":441694,"projectId":8882421,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our sensory room project through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your support, we now have a dedicated space where students can recharge, regulate their emotions, and better engage in their learning. I'm excited to share how the sensory room is already making a positive impact on our classroom.\r\n\r\nSince we received the materials, students have been using the sensory room throughout the school day to take calming breaks, and to receive occupational and physical therapy. One of the most meaningful moments so far was when we used the room during a particularly stressful day of testing. A few students, feeling overwhelmed, stepped into the sensory room and utilized the climbing wall. After just a short time, they returned to class feeling more centered and ready to continue. This quick reset allowed them to approach their work with a renewed focus and calmness.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the sensory room, their reactions were heartwarming. They were so excited to have a space that was specifically designed to help them manage their emotions and sensory needs. Some of them were so thrilled that they couldn't wait to try every item, while others took their time, carefully exploring each new item. One student even said, \"This is my new favorite place!\" It was an inspiring moment to witness the sense of ownership and comfort they felt in the space.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the next steps for our students involve continuing to use the sensory room as part of our classroom routine. As we progress through the year, the room will play an integral role in helping students self-regulate and manage their emotions during challenging times. Additionally, we plan to incorporate mindfulness activities and calming strategies to complement our lessons, further supporting their emotional and mental well-being.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students a space where they feel safe, supported, and empowered. We are truly grateful for the positive impact this sensory room has had on their learning environment, and I can't wait to see how it continues to benefit them.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support and for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1729716656492,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-sanctuary/8882421/","projectTitle":"Sensory Sanctuary","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doyle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp441694_orig.jpg?crop=1160,1160,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718981721908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/441694"},{"teacherId":29314,"projectId":9053877,"letterContent":"WOO HOO! The Color is back in room 301! My Color Printer has been getting lighter and lighter as we rolled into the new year. Today, I was able to open her up and refill her emptying reservoirs anew. \r\n\r\nThe kiddos were actually more excited about the colorful dry erase markers - and that they were pen like instead of marker like - easier to write with they said.\r\n\r\nSo we are restocked with color and ready to tackle the second half of fifth grade. Thank you for helping restore the color into our classroom for 2025. \r\n\r\nYour caring and donations are greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1736961734816,"projectUrl":"project/running-out-of-color/9053877/","projectTitle":"Running Out of Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McDougall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp29314_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459096252207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/robert-mcdougall"},{"teacherId":29314,"projectId":8892419,"letterContent":"As you know, the winter virus influx is just starting - and sure to get ramped up more due to holiday travel. Over a year ago a donor donated a large room Clorox hepa don carbon filter air cleaner and an extra filter. So getting a new filter just in time will ensure that we stay as healthy as possible with 28 people stuffed into a small classroom all day. \r\n\r\nI brought in a bunch of hot cocoa packs and just waiting for one of \"those days\" to break out the kettle, put on a video, and serving hot cocoa packs- and just relaxing as a class. \r\n\r\nThe biggest WHAT IS THAT? is the vibration plate. The principal even came up to try it. The kids are super excited to come up at lunch and \"shake\". Between this and the VR, my class is the place to be during lunch. \r\n\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1733857127284,"projectUrl":"project/cold-and-flu-season-is-upon-us/8892419/","projectTitle":"Cold and Flu Season Is Upon Us!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McDougall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp29314_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459096252207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/robert-mcdougall"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_143","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":354,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":92,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"8.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":53.4,"schoolId":143,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 8 Luis Belliard on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 8 Luis Belliard","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-8-luis-belliard/143"}