{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS993 @ PS208","outOfStateSupporters":35.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9939712,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your generosity means more to my students and me than words can fully express. Because of your kindness, my students will have the opportunity to create personalized shirts, tote bags, and hats that allow them to communicate in ways that feel natural, meaningful, and exciting.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, communication looks different for every child. Many of my students are nonverbal or have significant speech and language delays, so expressing their thoughts and feelings can be very challenging. However, every day they work incredibly hard to find their voices. They communicate through gestures, pictures, communication devices, drawings, and brave attempts at words. Every effort is celebrated, and every attempt matters. Your support recognizes the importance of these efforts and gives my students tools that help their voices be seen and heard in new ways.\r\n\r\nThe materials you helped provide will transform learning into something hands-on and engaging. Instead of only practicing communication skills on paper, students will design items they can wear and carry with pride. A shirt might display a favorite color, hobby, or positive message that represents who they are. A tote bag might feature a symbol, picture, or vocabulary word they are learning in class. A hat might include images or designs that bring them joy and help express their personalities.\r\n\r\nThese projects are more than simple crafts. They become meaningful communication tools that allow students to express their thoughts, interests, and identities. When students proudly wear something they created themselves, it becomes a powerful confidence builder. It also opens the door for conversations with peers, teachers, and family members. Classmates may ask about the design on a shirt or the pictures on a bag, which encourages natural social interaction and communication.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, starting a conversation or expressing an idea can be difficult. Having something they designed themselves helps give them a starting point and makes communication feel more comfortable and exciting. These personalized items help turn creativity into connection, learning into pride, and effort into celebration.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping create a classroom environment where every student feels valued, capable, and empowered. You are not just providing supplies—you are helping my students build confidence, independence, and meaningful ways to connect with others. These experiences will stay with them far beyond our classroom walls.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my incredible students, thank you for believing in their abilities and supporting their growth. Your kindness is helping them share their voices, express their creativity, and show the world who they are. We are deeply grateful for your support and the opportunities you have made possible for our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1766439288263,"projectUrl":"project/wear-your-words/9939712/","projectTitle":"Wear Your Words","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":5267082,"projectId":9778854,"letterContent":"You Didn't Just Donate Materials — You Created Moments of Joy and Discovery\r\nWhen the boxes arrived in our classroom, my students were immediately curious and excited. For many of them, new materials are more than just supplies — they are opportunities to explore the world in ways that support how they learn best.\r\nAs a teacher in a 6:1:1 classroom serving students with autism and diverse learning needs, hands-on learning tools make an incredible difference. Many of my students learn through movement, touch, and visual exploration. Because of you, our classroom now has resources that truly meet them where they are.\r\nOne of the most memorable moments happened during our literacy centers when we introduced the fidget sight word games. My students were thrilled to learn that reading could feel like play. As they moved the pieces and searched for sight words, I watched students who usually struggle with focus remain engaged and proud as they recognized words they had been practicing.\r\nThe headphones have also become a daily essential in our classroom. Many of my students benefit from reduced noise and clear audio during digital learning activities. With these headphones, they can focus on reading and math programs independently while feeling calm and supported.\r\nNext, our students will continue observing their terrariums as part of an ongoing science investigation while connecting literacy and vocabulary to what they see growing. These experiences help turn abstract concepts into real understanding.\r\nYour generosity did more than fund a project — it opened doors for exploration, independence, and discovery for students who benefit deeply from hands-on learning.\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our classroom.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. Regina & Students","fullyFundedDate":1765817380126,"projectUrl":"project/lets-explore-problem-solve-and-grow-a/9778854/","projectTitle":"Let's explore, problem-solve, and grow as learners and individuals.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Regina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5267082_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759244536049","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/victoria-regina2"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9927856,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your generosity means more than words can truly express. Because of you, my students have access to materials that help them learn, grow, and most importantly, communicate in ways that honor who they are.\r\n\r\nIn our Special Education classroom, every small step is a big victory. Many of my students are nonverbal or have significant speech and language delays. Expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas can be incredibly challenging. Your donation helps create opportunities for hands-on learning experiences that allow them to share their voices in ways that feel safe, meaningful, and empowering.\r\n\r\nWhen students are able to create something with their own hands—whether it is a personalized project, a visual support, or a communication tool—their confidence shines. They take pride in their work. They show it to friends. They bring it home to share with family members. These moments may seem small, but for my students, they are powerful milestones.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is not just a donation of supplies; it is an investment in independence, confidence, and connection. You are helping build a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable. Because of you, learning is more engaging, communication is more accessible, and smiles are even bigger.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and their families, thank you for believing in them. Thank you for giving them opportunities to succeed. And thank you for making a direct and lasting impact on their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1764605142659,"projectUrl":"project/press-create-communicate-helping-ever/9927856/","projectTitle":"Press, Create, Communicate: Helping Every Student Be Heard","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":9259619,"projectId":9473287,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your gracious donation to my classroom. Without your generosity, making my classroom safer and more accessible would not have been possible. Because of your support, my students are becoming much more comfortable unpacking and packing their instruments safely.\r\n\r\nWe have been discussing the importance of instrument longevity and how proper cases help preserve them. We talk about protecting our instruments so that students in younger grades will also have the opportunity to learn and enjoy the same instruments for many years to come.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely loved the cases and the ukulele dice block! One student shared that it's going to be so much fun playing the ukulele chord game. Students were eagerly challenging each other to play the chords that the dice block landed on. To say the least, my students truly enjoyed all of the materials.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so, so much for your generous donation and support of our classroom and our music program.","fullyFundedDate":1760693763354,"projectUrl":"project/protect-and-serve-in-our-music-class/9473287/","projectTitle":"Protect and Serve in Our Music Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Linda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9259619_orig.png?crop=799,799,x115,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694038242920","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9259619"},{"teacherId":4874746,"projectId":9721365,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to help support my classroom with the tumbling mat. We use this mat in many different ways in our classroom. We like to use during quiet work to relax so we don't have to sit it on the floor. We also use it as a table divider to separate two groups in the classroom. We also use the mat in the sensory area of our classroom. \r\n\r\nIt is a great help for my students for many reasons. The students were very excited to see that others wanted to help support our classroom. It's a great resource to help my students in many ways.","fullyFundedDate":1758899174968,"projectUrl":"project/a-mat-for-calm-safety-and-support/9721365/","projectTitle":"A Mat for Calm, Safety, and Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4874746_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507681752674","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4874746"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9663670,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom and funding my project \"Snack Store Helps Students with Autism Learn Many Skills.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of my students and has helped create learning opportunities that are practical. Because of you, my students are gaining access to hands-on tools and resources that support their growth, independence, and confidence.\r\nOne of our most important classroom goals is building financial literacy. Understanding money is a critical life skill, yet it can be especially challenging for students with autism and communication delays. My students are working hard to identify coins and bills, count money, add values together, and understand how money is exchanged for goods. These concepts take time, repetition, and concrete experiences to master. Your donation is allowing us to provide meaningful, hands-on practice that brings these lessons to life. Your support has helped the students receive the tools they need to succeed.\r\nTo make learning about money more engaging and realistic, we created a classroom store where students can purchase snacks. This experience allows them to practice using money in a real-world context rather than through worksheets alone. Students learn to make choices, wait their turn, hand over the correct amount of money, and receive an item in return. These moments help connect abstract concepts to everyday life and build confidence through successful interactions. It is so amazing to see how excited and proud the children are when they can handle money and buy their own snack. The sensory friendly snacks are great for my students! More importantly, the snacks help students stay energized, regulated, and ready to learn throughout the school day.\r\nThe money manipulatives are very effective. These hands-on tools allow students to physically touch, sort, and count coins and bills, making abstract concepts more concrete and understandable. Repeated practice with manipulatives helps students develop skills such as matching, counting, adding, and problem-solving. Over time, these skills will build toward greater independence when interacting with money in real-life situations.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for supporting learners who need a little extra help to shine. Your kindness is helping them develop essential life skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom walls. My students and I are deeply grateful for your support and for the positive impact you have made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758804085864,"projectUrl":"project/snack-store-helps-students-with-autism-l/9663670/","projectTitle":"Snack Store Helps Students With Autism Learn Money Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9502274,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support of my classroom. Your kindness has made a powerful and lasting impact on my students and on our learning environment. Because of you, my classroom now has the tools needed to create meaningful, individualized, and visually rich learning experiences that truly meet my students where they are.\r\n\r\nI teach in a self-contained autism program, where my students are incredible learners with bright spirits, curiosity, and a strong desire to engage with the world around them. While they experience significant challenges with speech, language, and cognitive delays, they show tremendous growth when provided with the right supports. Visuals, hands-on materials, and consistent routines are not optional for my students; they are essential for learning, communication, and emotional regulation. Your support allows me to provide these critical resources every single day.\r\n\r\nClear, colorful visuals play a vital role in helping my students understand expectations and navigate their daily routines. Visual schedules, transition cues, reinforcement boards, and social stories help reduce anxiety, promote independence, and support positive behavior. Having a color printer with reliable ink in our classroom means I can create these materials immediately and customize them to meet individual student needs. Instead of waiting or reusing worn materials, I can respond in real time to what my students need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe addition of a laminating machine has been truly transformative. Many of my students have sensory needs that lead them to chew, tear, or crumple paper materials. Laminating visuals and activities makes them durable, reusable, and more engaging for students who benefit from tactile input. Laminated materials also allow for flexibility and repeated practice. Students can use dry-erase markers to trace letters, solve math problems, match pictures, and practice life skills again and again without fear of ruining materials. This repetition is key to building mastery and confidence.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, I am able to create high-quality, individualized lessons across academic and functional areas. In reading, students use visual supports to build comprehension, vocabulary, and early literacy skills. In writing, they practice fine motor skills, letter formation, and communication using adapted and visually supported activities. In math, visuals help students understand number concepts, counting, matching, and problem-solving in concrete and meaningful ways. These tools also support social and communication growth by helping students understand emotions, routines, and appropriate behaviors through personalized social stories.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has helped foster independence and confidence in my students. When students know what to expect, have access to clear visuals, and can interact successfully with their materials, they experience pride in their accomplishments. Tasks that once felt overwhelming become manageable. Small successes, such as completing a schedule independently or following a visual direction, become powerful moments of growth that build toward greater independence over time.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also supports a positive and organized classroom environment. Consistent visuals and durable materials allow for smoother transitions, increased engagement, and more time spent learning rather than managing behavior. This structure benefits not only students but also support staff, allowing them to work more effectively with students one-on-one or in small groups.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your contribution goes far beyond supplies. You have invested in my students' confidence, communication, and ability to access learning in ways that make sense to them. Every laminated visual, every color-coded schedule, and every adapted worksheet represents your belief in my students and their potential.\r\n\r\nThank you for choosing to support my classroom and for recognizing the importance of individualized, visually supported education. Your kindness helps create a learning environment where my students feel safe, capable, and excited to learn. My students and I are deeply grateful for your generosity and for the meaningful difference you have made in our classroom","fullyFundedDate":1758800832981,"projectUrl":"project/bright-visual-supports-for-growing-minds/9502274/","projectTitle":"Bright Visual Supports for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9448104,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of my classroom project, \"Enhancing Visual Learning on iPads.\" Because of you, my students now have access to updated technology and tools that support communication, independence, and meaningful learning.\r\nMany of my students are nonverbal and have significant speech, language, and cognitive delays. They do not learn traditionally and rely heavily on visual supports, adapted materials, and teacher modeling to process language and express themselves. Creating an innovative and responsive learning environment is essential for their success.\r\nThe iPads that you so kindly funded through this project are greatly enhancing the communication and social development of my students. I have observed that the iPads that we now have in the class are helping the children remain on task longer, retain information, and experience a strong sense of accomplishment. With the updated technology, I can incorporate real-life images, expanded vocabulary, and personalized social stories into daily differentiated lessons to support socially appropriate behaviors.\r\nAdditionally, the walkie-talkies help our classroom stay connected with other teachers and classes, improving communication and safety throughout the school day. The children enjoy using the walkie-talkies to talk to some of their friends who are in other classes. The children earn time to use them at designed PBIS periods during the week.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in tools that empower them to learn, communicate, and succeed. My students and I are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758804086205,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-visual-learning-on-ipads/9448104/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Visual Learning on iPads","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9951134,"letterContent":"I wish I could fully show you what your generosity looks like in my classroom.\r\n\r\nIt looks like a student who is nonverbal carefully reaching for a coin, pausing, then matching it correctly after weeks of practice. It looks like a child who once struggled to stay regulated now calmly choosing a snack, using a system they understand, and sitting with their peers feeling safe and proud. It looks like small moments—but for my students, they are everything.\r\n\r\nI teach a self-contained autism classroom where many students face significant speech, language, cognitive, and sensory challenges. Some arrive at school unable to communicate their basic needs. Others struggle with food selectivity so severe that they often come to school hungry, overwhelmed, and unable to focus.\r\n\r\nYour donation changes that reality.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students have a classroom store where learning comes alive. Money is no longer an abstract idea—it is something they can touch, count, exchange, and understand. Skills that once felt out of reach are now becoming part of their daily independence.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students also have access to sensory-friendly snacks that help them feel safe in their bodies, regulate their emotions, and stay ready to learn. For some of them, this is the difference between a hard day and a successful one.\r\n\r\nWhat you gave is more than materials. You gave dignity, access, and possibility.\r\n\r\nMy students may learn differently, but they are capable of so much when given the right support. Your kindness helps unlock that potential in ways I see every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in them when the world often underestimates them. You are helping build futures, one small, powerful step at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1766440876248,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-to-learn-life-skills-through-mo/9951134/","projectTitle":"“Hungry to Learn: Life Skills Through Money & Snacks”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":5205501,"projectId":9607876,"letterContent":"My students with special needs love using the 3D pens to create their art projects! We used templates for them to create snowflake shapes and they loved this addition to other snowflake themed art projects they created.\r\nThe students have also been practicing using the pens to create unique and individualized name plates. Troubleshooting how to connect the letters in their names to create a cohesive piece has been a challenge they have enjoyed pursuing.\r\nMost of my students are on the autism spectrum and many have real challenges with motor planning and small motor activities, and these pens are a creative and fun way for them to work on these skills while using them to make art. Thank you so much for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1758899237216,"projectUrl":"project/steam-students-need-3d-printing-experien/9607876/","projectTitle":"STEAM Students Need 3D Printing Experience!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baltimore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5205501"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9401922,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of my classroom project through DonorsChoose. Because of your kindness, my students and I are able to learn in an environment that is structured, engaging, and designed to meet their individual needs. Your belief in my students and in the importance of specialized education has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our classroom.\r\nWith your support, I am able to implement TEACCH Work Stations in my classroom. These workstations provide clear structure, repetition, and predictable routines that help students understand expectations and work more independently. Through daily practice, students build confidence, increase focus, and develop important academic, social, and functional skills.\r\nThe materials funded through this project, including visual schedules, file systems, center-based activities, bulletin board displays, calendars, and hands-on learning tools, help clearly define each Work Station and create a consistent learning environment. These resources allow for individualized instruction and support students as they practice skills at their own pace. They also enable support staff to work effectively with students one-on-one or in small groups, ensuring each child receives personalized attention.\r\nMost importantly, your generosity directly impacts my students' everyday experiences. Because of you, they enter a classroom that feels organized, welcoming, and purposeful. They experience success as they complete tasks independently, pride as they master new skills, and comfort knowing what to expect throughout their day. These achievements may seem small, but they represent significant milestones for students with complex learning needs.\r\nThank you for choosing to support my classroom and for investing in students who benefit so greatly from structured, individualized education. Your donation is helping to create meaningful learning experiences that support my students' growth, independence, and confidence. My students and I are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1758804085304,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-our-new-classroom-with-indepe/9401922/","projectTitle":"Setting Up Our New Classroom With Independent Teach Works Stations!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2526539,"projectId":9511688,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your generosity is truly making a difference for my students with significant learning needs. With the laminating sheets and Velcro you helped provide, we are now able to create durable, hands-on visual schedules and learning materials that my students rely on every single day.\r\n\r\nThese materials allow me to make individualized picture schedules, task cards, and communication supports that withstand constant handling. Many of my students depend on visual structure to understand routines, reduce anxiety, and build independence. Because the schedules are laminated and reinforced with Velcro, students can move pieces on their own, practice sequencing steps, and take ownership of their daily activities.\r\n\r\nThe backing paper and borders you helped fund have also made a meaningful difference. They allowed me to create a neutral, calm classroom environment that reduces visual distractions and helps students stay focused. A soothing and organized space is essential for my learners, and these simple materials go a long way in supporting their emotional regulation and engagement.\r\n\r\nIn addition, using the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, I was able to purchase highly engaging activities that help my students practice the skill of fulfilling an order. This is not only an important functional life skill, but it also directly prepares them for working in our classroom's school store. The activities give students hands-on opportunities to read an order, gather items, and complete a task from start to finish—building confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nWhat might seem like simple supplies and resources actually gives my students access to the tools they need to thrive. You are helping them stay engaged, feel successful, and develop life skills that will support them far beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth. We are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758899146028,"projectUrl":"project/real-life-begins-here/9511688/","projectTitle":"Real Life Begins Here","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Healy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2526539_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1476985160555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2526539"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2024","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":42,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"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":64.9,"schoolId":2024,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS993 @ PS208 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS993 @ PS208","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/district-75-city-wide-programs/ps993-ps208/2024"}