{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Russell Byers Charter School","outOfStateSupporters":39.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10536589,"projectId":10348465,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the classroom materials. Our room is now a place where it not only is a place for students to communicate and have sensory needs met but it also looks like it. Your contribution helps make the room safe and cozy and provided materials to use when students need help regulating. The materials will help make OT and speech therapy sessions more engaging and meaningful to all the students. Thank you for donating. Your impact has been felt in a huge way. Our students are already working hard with the materials to meet their goals.","fullyFundedDate":1782238985084,"projectUrl":"project/communication-and-sensory-needs/10348465/","projectTitle":"Communication and Sensory Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ludwig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10536589"},{"teacherId":632903,"projectId":8394449,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Joyful Zen Den project! Your generosity has helped us create a calm, comfortable, and welcoming space where students can step away from the stimulation and demands of the school day when they need additional support. Floor cushions, soft lighting, sensory tools, breathing activities, positive messages, and organized storage have transformed the space into an inviting area where students can decompress, practice self-regulation strategies, and prepare themselves to return to learning.\r\n\r\nThe Zen Den also provides a quieter environment for individual support, conversations, and activities that are best completed away from the busy classroom. Most importantly, students have access to a space designed to help them feel safe, supported, and successful. Thank you for helping us recognize that sometimes a few minutes to reset can make a tremendous difference in a student's entire day!","fullyFundedDate":1716472822029,"projectUrl":"project/joyful-zen-den-fun-filled-relaxation/8394449/","projectTitle":"Joyful Zen Den: Fun-Filled Relaxation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hirdt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp632903_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626927079762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshirdt"},{"teacherId":632903,"projectId":7588787,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our New School Year Necessities! project! These items help us create a calm, welcoming, and functional learning support space where students can feel comfortable and supported. Our office is used throughout the day for individual and small-group instruction, one-on-one testing, private conversations, and as a quieter space where students can take a break, regulate, and prepare to return to learning.\r\n\r\nThe comfortable furniture and practical office supplies help make this space organized and inviting while also supporting the many hours spent planning, completing paperwork, analyzing data, and preparing individualized instruction. Even the Ring Pops play a role by providing a fun incentive to recognize effort and celebrate student success. Thank you for helping us create a space that supports both the academic and emotional needs of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1693498234748,"projectUrl":"project/new-school-year-necessities/7588787/","projectTitle":"New School Year Necessities!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hirdt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp632903_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626927079762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshirdt"},{"teacherId":632903,"projectId":7158815,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Motivate, Encourage, and Reward project! Your generosity has given us a wonderful variety of incentives that help our students stay motivated, work through challenging tasks, and feel proud of their accomplishments. The fidgets, squishies, stickers, cars, bracelets, small toys, and other rewards provide something exciting for every student to work toward. We have one student who only wants anything Godzilla related and items in this project fit the bill!\r\n\r\nOur incentive charts allow students to see their progress as they work toward individual academic and behavioral goals. These rewards help us recognize effort, perseverance, positive choices, and growth, not just the final outcome. For students who sometimes find learning difficult, that extra encouragement can make a real difference in their willingness to keep trying.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a community where hard work is noticed and progress is celebrated. Your support has brought lots of smiles to our students while giving us valuable tools to encourage confidence, persistence, and success!","fullyFundedDate":1685322654006,"projectUrl":"project/motivate-encourage-and-reward/7158815/","projectTitle":"Motivate, Encourage, and Reward!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hirdt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp632903_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626927079762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshirdt"},{"teacherId":632903,"projectId":9667159,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Snack Attack project. Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful difference for our students.\r\n\r\nThroughout the school day, snacks serve several important purposes in school. Most importantly, they help ensure that hunger does not interfere with learning. When students are hungry, it can be difficult to concentrate, regulate emotions, or give their best effort. Having snacks readily available allows us to meet that basic need so students can refocus and get back to learning.\r\n\r\nWe also use snacks thoughtfully as motivators, incentives, and positive reinforcement, since many students will choose a snack over another form of reinforcement. For students working hard to meet academic, behavioral, or individual goals, a small preferred snack can be a powerful way to recognize effort, encourage persistence, and celebrate success. They are especially helpful when students are tackling challenging tasks or working toward greater independence.\r\n\r\nThese may seem like simple items, but their impact is significant. Your donation is helping us keep students comfortable, motivated, engaged, and ready to learn while creating positive associations with effort and achievement.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us turn a little Snack Attack into a lot of student success!","fullyFundedDate":1763590120341,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack-rewards-for-great-work/9667159/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack: Rewards for Great Work","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hirdt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp632903_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626927079762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshirdt"},{"teacherId":632903,"projectId":7159634,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Classroom Basics Needed! Your generosity is making a difference in our K–4 learning support classroom every single day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our students are actively using these classroom essentials to learn, stay healthy, and remain engaged. Individual whiteboards and dry erase markers allow every student to participate during lessons, practice new skills, and receive immediate feedback in a low-pressure way. Students are more willing to take academic risks because mistakes can simply be erased, encouraging confidence and perseverance.\r\n\r\nThe noise-reducing headphones provide a calmer learning environment for students who are easily distracted or overwhelmed by sound. These simple tools help students regulate their sensory needs, improve concentration, and remain engaged during independent work and small-group instruction.\r\n\r\nYour donation also helps us maintain a healthy and welcoming classroom. Hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, and whiteboard cleaning supplies keep our learning spaces clean, organized, and ready for instruction each day. These everyday essentials may not be flashy, but they are the foundation of a classroom where students can focus on learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for recognizing that the basics truly matter. Because of your generosity, our students have the tools they need to participate confidently, stay comfortable, and learn in a safe, supportive environment. We are grateful for your investment in our classroom and in the success of every child who learns here.","fullyFundedDate":1675798736482,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-basics-needed/7159634/","projectTitle":"Classroom Basics Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hirdt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp632903_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626927079762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshirdt"},{"teacherId":632903,"projectId":6895127,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Multisensory Learning = Fun and Efficient Learning! Your generosity is helping bring learning to life for our K–4 learning support students.\r\n\r\nMany of our students learn best when they can see, touch, move, and interact with concepts rather than simply reading about them. The hands-on materials you've helped provide will transform abstract skills into meaningful learning experiences that build understanding, confidence, and independence.\r\n\r\nWith base ten blocks, students physically build numbers and strengthen place value and computation skills. Phonics and spelling games make decoding and word recognition engaging while reinforcing foundational literacy skills. Interactive math games will encourage students to practice addition and subtraction through movement, collaboration, and play instead of repetitive worksheets. These multisensory experiences not only improve academic achievement but also increase attention, participation, and motivation.\r\n\r\nFor students receiving learning support, engagement is often the key to success. When learning feels interactive and enjoyable, students are more willing to take risks, persist through challenges, and celebrate their progress. Your donation is helping create those moments every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in instructional tools that make learning both effective and exciting. Your generosity is giving our students the opportunity to learn with confidence, curiosity, and joy while developing skills that will benefit them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1665514659234,"projectUrl":"project/multisensory-learning-fun-and-efficien/6895127/","projectTitle":"Multisensory Learning = Fun and Efficient Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hirdt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp632903_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626927079762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshirdt"},{"teacherId":632903,"projectId":6878472,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Work Hard, Play Hard! Your generosity is helping create an environment where students can stay engaged, build confidence, and experience success while having fun.\r\n\r\nIn our K–4 special education community, every day is filled with hard work as students strengthen academic, social, emotional, and self-regulation skills. Many of our learners benefit from movement breaks, sensory tools, positive reinforcement, and opportunities to celebrate their efforts. The supplies you've provided - from fidgets and sensory items to rewards and creative activities - have been helping our students stay regulated, motivated, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThese materials are much more than prizes. A stress ball can help a child regain focus after feeling overwhelmed. A sensory bracelet or stretchy fidget can provide the calming input needed to persevere through a challenging lesson. Mini drawing boards encourage creativity and communication, while Play-Doh and hands-on manipulatives strengthen fine motor skills and provide meaningful brain breaks. Incentive charts, stickers, and small rewards help celebrate effort, reinforce positive choices, and remind students that persistence pays off.\r\n\r\nYour support helps us build a classroom where students understand that hard work leads to growth and that learning can be joyful along the way. Every smile, every breakthrough, and every moment of increased confidence is made possible because people like you believe in our students.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for helping them work hard, play hard, and discover just how capable they truly are.","fullyFundedDate":1665786665326,"projectUrl":"project/work-hard-play-hard/6878472/","projectTitle":"Work Hard, Play Hard!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hirdt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp632903_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626927079762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshirdt"},{"teacherId":2882724,"projectId":9837265,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of books and pens to our school. Your kindness and support make a meaningful difference in the daily learning experiences of our students.\r\n\r\nAccess to quality reading materials and basic writing tools helps our students stay engaged, practice important literacy skills, and develop a love for learning. Because of your generosity, our students are better equipped to read, write, and express their ideas with confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our school community and for supporting the success of our students. Your generosity is truly appreciated.\r\n\r\nThank you,\r\nSheila Ames\r\nInstructional Coach\r\nRussell Byers Charter Sch","fullyFundedDate":1763559990536,"projectUrl":"project/great-note-takers-produce-excellent-writ/9837265/","projectTitle":"Great Note Takers Produce Excellent Writers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ames","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2882724_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565231386856","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ames-s-"},{"teacherId":9168652,"projectId":9516020,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students are engaging in learning in ways that feel hands-on, meaningful, and exciting. The new resources have quickly become an essential part of our daily instruction. Students are using them during small group lessons, independent practice, and collaborative projects to deepen their understanding and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nOne special moment that stands out was during a recent lesson when students used the materials to solve real-world math problems together. Instead of just talking about their thinking, they were able to physically model it. I watched students explain their reasoning to one another with confidence, using academic vocabulary and supporting their ideas. It was powerful to see their engagement and perseverance increase simply because they had the right tools in their hands.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, they now have the tools to explore, practice, revise, and grow with confidence. Thank you for giving our students opportunities they will carry with them far beyond our classroom. Your support is making a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1763590120519,"projectUrl":"project/becoming-life-long-learners-and-in-touch/9516020/","projectTitle":"Becoming Life Long Learners and In Touch with my Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shulick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9168652"},{"teacherId":632903,"projectId":6680507,"letterContent":"Thank you for believing in our students and in the power of engaging, meaningful learning. Because of your generosity, our classroom will have resources that transform data collection from a routine task into an exciting part of the school day.\r\n\r\nIn special education, data is essential. It helps us measure progress, identify effective strategies, and ensure every student receives the support they need. However, collecting that data is most successful when students are genuinely engaged. The materials you've helped provide make learning feel like play while allowing us to gather the meaningful information needed to celebrate growth and guide instruction.\r\n\r\nYour support allows us to create a classroom where students are motivated to participate, eager to practice new skills, and proud of their accomplishments. Every game played, challenge completed, and success celebrated gives us valuable insight into each child's learning while helping them build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation extends far beyond the materials themselves. You are helping create joyful learning experiences, stronger student engagement, and opportunities for every child to succeed. Thank you for investing in our students' futures and for making our classroom both \"data-driven and fun-fueled\"!","fullyFundedDate":1662564061365,"projectUrl":"project/data-driven-but-fun-fueled/6680507/","projectTitle":"Data Driven But Fun Fueled!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hirdt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp632903_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626927079762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshirdt"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_70527","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":686,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":93,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.1,"schoolId":70527,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Russell Byers Charter School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Russell Byers Charter School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/philadelphia-city-school-district/russell-byers-charter-school/70527"}