{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS255Q @ PS397","outOfStateSupporters":53.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":10149867,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a powerful impact on my students and our classroom. Because of you, they now have access to tools that help them practice and grow in ways that were once very challenging.\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were immediately drawn to them, eager to touch, squeeze, and explore. During our first activity, I watched a student who often avoids fine motor tasks smile while using tongs to pick up and sort items. Another student proudly squeezed Theraputty and stayed engaged longer than ever before. These may seem like small moments, but for my students, they are huge victories.\r\nThese tools will help to strengthen my students hands and build independence. \r\nYour generosity is helping my students grow stronger, more capable, and more confident. Thank you for making such an incredible difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1776979407777,"projectUrl":"project/strong-hands-strong-futures/10149867/","projectTitle":"Strong Hands, Strong Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":10018006,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this dream come true for my students. Because of you, our classroom has transformed into a place where stories truly come alive.\r\nThe moment we opened the materials, my students' faces lit up. They immediately reached for the puppets and animals, eager to explore. During our read-alouds, I've seen students who usually struggle to engage begin to participate; they are holding the characters, making sounds, and even taking turns with peers. One of my nonverbal students used the little figurines to act out part of a story and looked to a classmate to continue. It was a moment I will never forget.\r\nWe are now using these materials every day to build communication, connection, and confidence. We will use the materials to help students retell stories more independently and interact more with each other during play.\r\nYour kindness is giving my students a voice, a way to connect, and a love for learning. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference.","fullyFundedDate":1777152750727,"projectUrl":"project/touch-play-and-tell-storytime-for-stu/10018006/","projectTitle":"Touch, Play, and Tell: Storytime for Students with Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":660143,"projectId":9077269,"letterContent":"Calm minds and open hearts create space for every child to grow, connect, and thrive. Through the training in SEL and Yoga with Breathe for Change, I have gained meaningful, practical tools that are already shaping how I envision my Social Skills classroom. Even as I continue completing the remaining coursework, I feel energized and prepared to begin weaving these strategies into my daily teaching. The experience has deepened my understanding of how mindfulness can support emotional regulation, connection, and confidence, especially for students who need it most.\r\n\r\nMy next classroom project with my students with autism will center on learning to breathe, giving them tangible ways to connect with inhaling and exhaling by creating flowers and pinwheels. Practicing collective breathing as a group is one of the powerful takeaways I am eager to introduce, helping students feel a shared sense of calm and belonging. I am also developing a modified yoga sequence tailored to their needs, thoughtfully assessing poses to ensure accessibility across all the classes I serve. In addition, I plan to incorporate mantras and affirmations in ways that are meaningful for students who struggle with language, making these practices inclusive and impactful. I am excited to see how these mindfulness tools will support my students' growth, well being, and ability to connect with themselves and others. I hope to eventually extend the impact of your generosity beyond my classroom by sharing these practices with colleagues and families by fostering mindfulness throughout our entire school community.","fullyFundedDate":1747312589299,"projectUrl":"project/breathe-for-change-learning-mindfulness/9077269/","projectTitle":"Breathe For Change: Learning Mindfulness One Breath at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp660143_orig.jpg?crop=653,653,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609112717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/srlopez"},{"teacherId":660143,"projectId":9960240,"letterContent":"This project opened the door for my students with special needs to create meaningful Kindness Totes filled with essential supplies for teachers throughout our building. With the tote bags, fabric markers, and cleaning items, students took part in lessons about kindness, using kind words, and how to give to others. They carefully decorated bags for their classroom teacher and another teacher, with drawings and thoughtful phrases. Using a checklist, each student gathered the materials and assembled the totes, then created and signed personalized Kindness Cards to include inside.\r\n\r\nWhen it came time to deliver the bags, the experience was truly powerful. Students either shared kind words aloud or used preprogrammed switches to express thoughtful messages to each teacher. Watching them take pride in their work and spread kindness across the school was incredibly moving. The smiles on both the students' and teachers' faces said it all. Not only did this project help build important social and functional skills, but it also allowed my students to make a positive impact by giving back and helping keep classrooms clean. This experience created a moment of connection and joy that will not be forgotten.","fullyFundedDate":1765914042773,"projectUrl":"project/spreading-kindness-one-classroom-at-a-ti/9960240/","projectTitle":"Spreading Kindness One Classroom at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp660143_orig.jpg?crop=653,653,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609112717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/srlopez"},{"teacherId":660143,"projectId":10119864,"letterContent":"Your generous support has provided my students with special needs a variety of crayons in different sizes and shapes. These materials have made a meaningful difference in our classroom by allowing each student to use tools that match their individual skill levels. Recently, my students used the crayons to create Kindness Cards for teachers throughout the building, and it was incredible to see their engagement and pride. One student, who had previously shown no interest in coloring, selected three egg-shaped crayons and independently colored in a bubble letter word. It was an exciting and memorable moment for all of us.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, I am able to offer materials that truly meet my students where they are, helping them feel confident and successful in their work. The organization of the crayons has also made a big impact. Regular crayons are stored in pencil cases behind student chairs, while triangle and egg-shaped crayons fit perfectly into designated color coded storage boxes. These systems make it easy for students to access what they need and stay focused on creating. Your kindness and generosity are helping my students grow in both skill and confidence, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1773706147683,"projectUrl":"project/coloring-with-confidence-one-grip-at-a-t/10119864/","projectTitle":"Coloring With Confidence One Grip at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp660143_orig.jpg?crop=653,653,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609112717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/srlopez"},{"teacherId":1751148,"projectId":9787759,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the wonderful Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs my students have received! This wonderful Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs has made a huge impact on my students and their learning! I wish you could have seen my students' faces when they received this wonderful set! They were so excited to get started exploring all the miniature items for each letter of the alphabet! They could not wait to identify each miniature item and the corresponding letter! This has all been made possible through your generosity! \r\n My students are making so much progress in learning their letters and letter sounds! \r\nThey are working hard to identify, sound out, trace, and write the alphabet! The new Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs are a wonderful addition to our centers! We added a mystery box to add more fun with this set. My students really love reaching in to the mystery box, identifying the miniature item, and matching it to the corresponding letter! They also practice saying the letter sounds! My students are having so much fun!\r\n Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! My students are learning so much and making great progress towards their goals! Your kindness has made a big impact on my students' learning. Thank you very much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1770261352649,"projectUrl":"project/basic-resources-for-phonics-learning/9787759/","projectTitle":"Basic Resources for Phonics Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1751148_orig.jpg?crop=1776,1776,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1613407324836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1751148"},{"teacherId":8963916,"projectId":9707851,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of snacks to my students with autism. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classroom in ways that go far beyond what you might imagine.\r\nFor many of my students, having access to consistent, preferred snacks throughout the day has been a powerful support. These snacks are not just treats-they are essential tools that help regulate energy levels, reduce anxiety, and provide comfort during transitions or challenging moments. With this support in place, I've seen a noticeable increase in students' ability to stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn.\r\nThe availability of snacks has also helped us create positive reinforcement opportunities, encouraging motivation and celebrating small but important successes. Students are more willing to participate, complete tasks, and push through difficult activities knowing they have something familiar and enjoyable to look forward to.\r\nMost importantly, your generosity has contributed to a more supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel understood and cared for. That sense of security allows them to do their very best each day.\r\nThank you for making a direct and lasting impact on my students' growth, well-being, and success. Your support truly matters.","fullyFundedDate":1767760413395,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-students-one-snack-at-a-time/9707851/","projectTitle":"Supporting Students One Snack at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brianna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8963916_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y223&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722877813562","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8963916"},{"teacherId":660143,"projectId":9960861,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of Lunar New Year activities for my students with special needs. The lanterns, red envelopes, tree decorations, dumpling game, and lion puppet created an exciting and meaningful way for my students to explore a new cultural celebration. They especially loved acting out the Story of Nian with the lion puppet and making their own Nian masks. We even played drums and danced together for our own lion dance, and a few students walked into the classroom, saw the lion puppet, and immediately said \"dance\" with big smiles.\r\n\r\nStudents also had wonderful hands on experiences decorating red envelopes and placing chocolate coins inside to share with friends. They carefully decorated our tree with mandarins and red decorations and proudly hung their lanterns, which they especially loved once the tea lights were glowing inside. While playing the dumpling game they practiced important occupational therapy skills, although a few students were convinced the dumplings looked real enough to eat.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students were able to explore traditions from other parts of the world in a fun, interactive way. Experiences like this help expand their understanding of people, places, and cultures while building social, sensory, and creative skills. Thank you for making such joyful and meaningful learning possible for our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1766249445591,"projectUrl":"project/growing-together-through-lunar-new-year/9960861/","projectTitle":"Growing Together Through Lunar New Year Traditions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp660143_orig.jpg?crop=653,653,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609112717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/srlopez"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":10020113,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping provide seat storage sacks for our classroom! This project is already making a meaningful difference for my students with autism who thrive in a structured and predictable environment. Having personal seat sacks attached directly to their chairs gives them a designated space for their folders, visual schedules, sensory tools, and communication supports. Instead of searching for materials or waiting for assistance, they can now independently access what they need right at their seat.\r\nThis simple change has reduced transition time, minimized anxiety, and increased independence throughout the day. Students feel more secure knowing their materials are organized and always within reach. Your support is helping create a calmer, more structured learning environment where my students can stay focused and confident. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1772550323512,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-ready-to-learn/10020113/","projectTitle":"Organized and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":9985693,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us get a classroom laminator and paper cutter! These tools are truly game-changers for my students with autism as they rely on visual supports every single day to understand their schedules, make choices, communicate their needs, and feel safe in their routines. Because of your support, I can now create durable, reusable visuals that hold up to constant use. This project has already made a big impact. I'm able to quickly adapt materials to meet individual student needs and keep visuals clean, organized, and consistent. That consistency helps reduce anxiety and increases independence, which means students are more confident and ready to learn. These simple tools are making a powerful difference in helping my students engage, communicate, and succeed. We are so grateful for your generosity and support!","fullyFundedDate":1772116129709,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-last/9985693/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Last","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":10077321,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us create our student-led Sensory Calming Corner! We've already started using the new materials every day, and they've made such a difference. The beanbags and calming lights help students relax their bodies, and the sensory toys and fidgets are great during transitions or when someone needs help focusing. The Yoto Audio Player has been a favorite! My students love listening to calming music or short stories when they need a reset.\r\nWhen my students first saw everything, they were SO excited. But more than that, they felt proud. They knew this space wasn't just for them; it was something they were helping create for the whole school. One special moment was when one of my students showed a peer how to use the space and choose a fidget. Seeing them step into a leadership role was incredible. My students are working on making simple posters and visuals to teach others how to use the calming corner safely and independently. This project is helping my students build confidence, empathy, and leadership skills.\r\nWe are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1770662652411,"projectUrl":"project/students-creating-a-calming-wellness-spa/10077321/","projectTitle":"Students Creating a Calming Wellness Space for Our School Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":1751148,"projectId":9848369,"letterContent":"Wow! This is amazing! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Our students were so excited to receive these wonderful educational resources to help us learn to write! These are wonderful resources that help to keep our students motivated and engaged!\r\n The tabletop easel we received is a great addition to our classroom! My students are using this easel to practice writing their lowercase letters!This is now a great activity for our writing center! It allows my students to continue practicing and to demonstrate what they have learned! Students are each taking turns with the easel, and then pass the easel along to the next classmate to use! What a great way to practice their letters while also practicing turn taking! \r\n The file folder organizer we received has also helped my students practice writing their lowercase letters! The file folder organizer is labeled with letters A-Z. Students have to identify the letter we are working on, and then find that letter pocket within the file folder organizer. Students then complete the worksheet corresponding to the correct letter. This is a great activity which helps my students identify the letter and then practice writing that letter! This helps keep our writing center organized for my students so they can work efficiently!\r\n All of this has been made possible through your kindness! Thank you very much for supporting this project!","fullyFundedDate":1766780777764,"projectUrl":"project/basic-supplies-to-help-us-learn-to-write/9848369/","projectTitle":"Basic Supplies to Help Us Learn to Write!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1751148_orig.jpg?crop=1776,1776,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1613407324836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1751148"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18707","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":46.8,"schoolId":18707,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS255Q @ PS397 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS255Q @ PS397","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/district-75-city-wide-programs/ps255q-ps151q/18707"}