{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sheridan Preparatory Academy","outOfStateSupporters":34.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":60891,"projectId":9589263,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! I originally requested a whiteboard, but when it became unavailable, I was able to use your donation to purchase several other high-impact classroom resources that we use every day.\r\n\r\nOne of the most important additions was a set of clipboards. My students use them almost daily—while working with partners, conducting interviews, or choosing a comfortable spot around the room to work. They also make it easier for students to sit closer to the Promethean board when needed. These clipboards have greatly supported the flexible seating options in our classroom and have given students more independence and choice in how they learn.\r\n\r\nWe were also able to purchase scissors, which have already been put to good use in countless activities. Most recently, students used them to create trigrams of Egyptian pyramids during our unit on ancient civilizations. They also use them for cutting out pictures for vocabulary journals and for many other hands-on projects that help bring learning to life.\r\n\r\nFinally, your donation allowed us to buy special bags for our bilingual take-home books. These sturdy bags—with handles and a space for each student's name—help students safely transport books between home and school. They keep our bilingual books protected, dry, and ready for many students to enjoy, while also encouraging family reading time at home.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and the positive impact you've had on our students' learning. We are truly grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1756068325293,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboard-wanted/9589263/","projectTitle":"Whiteboard Wanted","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luciani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp60891_orig.jpg?crop=2642,2643,x0,y88&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738182485595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/luciani"},{"teacherId":9970289,"projectId":9400877,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous support of our classroom project. Thanks to your contribution, our students now have access to essential supplies that directly enhance both their learning and our classroom's daily functioning.\r\n\r\nThese materials are already having a meaningful impact. Students are more engaged, better organized, and able to participate actively in lessons without the worry or distraction of not having what they need. Your donation has helped create a more inclusive classroom environment where every learner can feel prepared and supported.\r\n\r\nHaving these resources readily available has also allowed me, as the teacher, to focus more fully on instruction and less on managing shortages or disruptions. The smoothness and confidence your support brings to our day-to-day routines is truly invaluable.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping set the stage for student success—not just academically, but in building the confidence and independence they need to thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for making a meaningful difference in their educational experience. We appreciate you more than words can express.","fullyFundedDate":1753042104900,"projectUrl":"project/every-pencil-counts-help-us-learn/9400877/","projectTitle":"Every Pencil Counts: Help Us Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sottosanti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9970289"},{"teacherId":2376170,"projectId":9665609,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our STEM Fun project! The new bins, flower building sets, magnetic tiles, and LEGOs have brought excitement and creativity to our classroom. Students love exploring, designing, and problem-solving together. These materials encourage teamwork, imagination, and hands-on learning every day.\r\n\r\nThe children have had so much fun building towers, creating patterns, and working together to see their ideas come to life. Their laughter and enthusiasm fill the room! Your generosity has truly sparked curiosity and joy in our young engineers.","fullyFundedDate":1757547871614,"projectUrl":"project/stem-fun/9665609/","projectTitle":"STEM Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Panton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2376170_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595695577697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michellekatz"},{"teacherId":2376170,"projectId":9370665,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom received the much-needed supply refresh that has made an incredible difference in our daily learning experience. From sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks to markers, folders, and classroom essentials, every single item has helped set the tone for a successful and organized school year. It's amazing how something as simple as having the right materials can change the energy in a room — and your donation made that possible.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many of our supplies were running low or worn out from constant use. Students were often sharing basic items or trying to make do with what we had left. For many of my students, replacing personal supplies at home is not always an easy option. Having a classroom stocked with everything they need means every student can start each day prepared, confident, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe look on their faces when they saw the fresh supplies was priceless! There's something truly special about new materials — bright crayons, smooth pens, crisp paper — that motivates students to take pride in their work. Suddenly, organization and neatness became exciting again. My students eagerly helped set up our supply station, labeling bins, sorting items, and taking responsibility for keeping things in order. This project didn't just restock our classroom; it inspired a sense of ownership and teamwork.","fullyFundedDate":1753897590093,"projectUrl":"project/school-supplies/9370665/","projectTitle":"School Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Panton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2376170_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595695577697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michellekatz"},{"teacherId":2376170,"projectId":9174776,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom received the much-needed supply refresh that has made an incredible difference in our daily learning experience. From sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks to markers, folders, and classroom essentials, every single item has helped set the tone for a successful and organized school year. It's amazing how something as simple as having the right materials can change the energy in a room — and your donation made that possible.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many of our supplies were running low or worn out from constant use. Students were often sharing basic items or trying to make do with what we had left. For many of my students, replacing personal supplies at home is not always an easy option. Having a classroom stocked with everything they need means every student can start each day prepared, confident, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe look on their faces when they saw the fresh supplies was priceless! There's something truly special about new materials — bright crayons, smooth pens, crisp paper — that motivates students to take pride in their work. Suddenly, organization and neatness became exciting again. My students eagerly helped set up our supply station, labeling bins, sorting items, and taking responsibility for keeping things in order. This project didn't just restock our classroom; it inspired a sense of ownership and teamwork.","fullyFundedDate":1746617215705,"projectUrl":"project/supply-refresh/9174776/","projectTitle":"Supply Refresh!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Panton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2376170_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595695577697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michellekatz"},{"teacherId":2376170,"projectId":9372009,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed! The new plastic stools you helped fund through our Stools for Learning project have brought a new level of comfort, flexibility, and excitement to our students' daily learning experiences.\r\nBefore, our seating options were limited, and students often had to work around heavy or bulky chairs when collaborating. Now, with the lightweight stools, students can easily move into groups, gather for discussions, or find the perfect spot for independent work. It's amazing to see how such a simple change has encouraged more teamwork, focus, and creativity!\r\nYour generosity has brought more flexibility, collaboration, and joy to our learning space. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1756501840172,"projectUrl":"project/stools-for-learning/9372009/","projectTitle":"Stools for learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Panton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2376170_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595695577697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michellekatz"},{"teacherId":9532986,"projectId":9375919,"letterContent":"Absolutely! Here's a 500-word donor thank-you letter written in a warm, joyful tone that reflects the creativity and positive energy of your classroom and the impact of the neon signs, decorations, and clock. It's crafted in the same DonorsChoose-friendly format as your others:\r\n\r\nDear Donors,\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support! The vibrant decorations, neon signs, and classroom clock you helped provide have completely transformed our learning space into a bright, inspiring environment that truly reflects the energy and spirit of my fourth graders. From the moment my students walked into the room after everything was set up, their reactions were priceless—there were gasps, huge smiles, and excited voices saying things like, \"It feels like a real classroom now!\" and \"This looks so cool!\" It was clear that they felt a deep sense of pride and belonging in their new learning space.\r\n\r\nThe neon signs and colorful décor have brought a fresh wave of excitement and motivation into our classroom. Students are naturally drawn to the bright, welcoming atmosphere, and it has helped create a sense of joy and creativity in everything we do. During our morning meetings, students often comment on the positive messages displayed around the room. One student recently pointed to a sign that says \"Shine Bright\" and said, \"That's how I feel when I do something hard in math!\" Moments like that remind me just how powerful the learning environment can be in shaping how students feel about themselves and their abilities.\r\n\r\nThese visual touches have also encouraged students to take greater ownership of the classroom. They love rearranging areas to make displays look even more colorful and often suggest new ways to make our learning spaces pop. When we do projects or presentations, the classroom's atmosphere adds an extra spark of creativity—students are eager to share their work in a place that feels fun, safe, and alive with color. The decorations have become more than just visual appeal—they're part of our classroom's personality, helping to create a sense of community and belonging.\r\n\r\nThe new classroom clock has also made a huge impact in promoting independence and responsibility. Students are now more aware of how to manage their time during lessons, transitions, and activities. I often hear them reminding one another, \"We have five minutes left before cleanup!\" or \"It's almost time for reading group!\" This has helped build a stronger sense of structure and accountability. The clock has turned time management into a shared habit, rather than something I constantly have to guide.\r\n\r\nTogether, these simple but meaningful additions have created an environment where my students feel energized, focused, and proud of their learning space. The room now reflects who they are—curious, imaginative, and full of life. The smiles on their faces and the excitement in their voices each morning say it all: they love being here, and that joy translates directly into their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me create a classroom that not only supports academic growth but also celebrates creativity, individuality, and community. Your generosity has made a lasting difference for my students, turning our classroom into a place where learning truly shines.","fullyFundedDate":1755559236943,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-bright-classroom/9375919/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds, Bright Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9532986_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715093003003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9532986"},{"teacherId":9532986,"projectId":9372048,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into an even more dynamic, engaging, and student-centered learning space! The arrival of our new mobile whiteboard has opened so many opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and ownership of learning. From the moment my fourth graders saw it being rolled into the room, they were full of excitement—several immediately asked, \"Can we try it right now?\" It quickly became clear that this wasn't just a new classroom tool—it was something that would inspire movement, participation, and teamwork every single day.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the mobile whiteboard across all subject areas, and it has already become an essential part of our classroom routine. During math, small groups gather around the board to work through challenging word problems. They draw models, show their equations, and talk through strategies together. Being able to move the whiteboard around the room means that groups can work wherever they're most comfortable—at the carpet, in a quiet corner, or near a window. I've noticed that students who are often hesitant to share at their desks are far more eager to stand up, grab a marker, and show their thinking when we use the board. It has helped build their confidence and foster a true sense of community in our class.\r\n\r\nIn reading and writing, the whiteboard has become our \"idea station.\" Students use it to jot down thoughts about a story, track character traits, or map out themes together. During writing workshop, it's common to see students collaborating on brainstorming lists or giving feedback to one another. The mobility of the board lets us move from group to group, keeping ideas flowing and discussions alive. One memorable moment came during a lesson on persuasive writing when a group of students used the board to create a mini-poster of reasons why our class should have extra reading time. They presented their arguments with confidence, and it sparked a thoughtful discussion about how persuasive writing works in real life.\r\n\r\nThe board has also been a powerful tool for science and social studies lessons. During our unit on ecosystems, students used it to draw food chains and explain how energy moves through living things. Being able to physically draw, erase, and adjust their diagrams helped them grasp complex concepts in a way that felt hands-on and exciting. The flexibility to move the board to different parts of the room also means that no matter what we're learning, the space adapts to the lesson—not the other way around.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve expanding how students lead lessons themselves. We're working toward student-led \"mini-lessons\" where groups plan, teach, and use the board to demonstrate their understanding to their peers. This helps them develop leadership skills, public speaking abilities, and deeper mastery of the content.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students have a space where their ideas can be seen, heard, and celebrated. The mobile whiteboard has truly brought learning to life in our classroom. Thank you for believing in our students and supporting tools that make learning active, collaborative, and joyful.","fullyFundedDate":1752457357602,"projectUrl":"project/write-collaborate-and-listen/9372048/","projectTitle":"Write, Collaborate, and Listen!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9532986_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715093003003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9532986"},{"teacherId":9532986,"projectId":9178702,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support! The arrival of our new movable whiteboard has truly transformed our classroom environment. From the moment my fourth graders saw it being rolled into the room, their faces lit up with excitement. You would have thought it was a brand-new toy! They immediately began imagining all the ways they could use it—one student even exclaimed, \"Now we can be the teachers!\" That sense of ownership and pride has only grown as they've used the board in their daily learning.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the whiteboard across all subject areas, and it has quickly become one of the most loved and used tools in our room. During math, students work in small groups around the board to solve multi-step word problems. They draw models, label their equations, and talk through each step with their teammates. I've noticed how the whiteboard helps students explain their reasoning more clearly, and it has encouraged even my quieter students to take part in discussions. The act of standing up, writing, and showing their thinking has made problem-solving more interactive and fun for everyone.\r\n\r\nIn reading, we've used the board for vocabulary challenges and text-based discussions. Students jot down unfamiliar words, use context clues to predict meanings, and then draw quick visuals to represent each word. It's been incredible to see how this process has helped them deepen their understanding of language and build confidence as readers. During writing workshop, the board often becomes a \"collaboration zone,\" where groups brainstorm ideas, plan story structures, and give each other feedback. They take turns being the \"scribe\" and leading discussions, just like real authors' rooms might work. The board has turned learning into a truly social and creative process.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments so far happened during our recent science unit on forces and motion. Students were testing how different surfaces affected the speed of a moving object, and they used the board to chart their data and graph their results. As they worked together, they debated, corrected errors, and proudly shared their conclusions with the class. Watching them collaborate so naturally—moving the board around the room, writing side by side, and learning from one another—was exactly what I had hoped this project would inspire.\r\n\r\nNext, we're using the whiteboard for student-led lessons. Each week, a small group will plan and teach a mini-lesson to their classmates, using the board as their main teaching tool. This project is helping my students develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that extend far beyond academics. It's amazing to see how a single resource can open up so many opportunities for student voice and creativity.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students have a space to think, share, and shine. You've given them not just a whiteboard, but a platform for their ideas. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for making learning come alive in such a powerful way.","fullyFundedDate":1742568990010,"projectUrl":"project/write-all-about-it/9178702/","projectTitle":"Write All About It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9532986_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715093003003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9532986"},{"teacherId":9532986,"projectId":9178168,"letterContent":"When the stools arrived, my students were so excited to see them set up around our small group tables. They immediately noticed how the new seating made it easier to gather closely for reading instruction and writing lessons. During one of our recent small group reading sessions, the students were able to lean in, share their ideas, and follow along in the text without feeling crowded. The stools created a sense of community at the table, which encouraged more collaboration and participation from everyone.\r\n\r\nOne special moment came during a writing lesson when students were working together to brainstorm story ideas. They loved being able to swivel and turn to talk with their peers without having to drag big chairs across the room. The stools helped make the activity flow more naturally, and students were eager to share their thinking with one another. Their excitement and comfort truly elevated the quality of their discussions and writing.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current unit, students will be using the stools daily to meet in small groups for reading comprehension practice and writing conferences. The next step is for students to take their collaborative brainstorming and turn it into published pieces of writing to share with their classmates. Thanks to the new seating, they now have a welcoming and functional space that makes these group projects more engaging and productive.","fullyFundedDate":1742948555697,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-spaces-for-success/9178168/","projectTitle":"Flexible Spaces for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9532986_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715093003003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9532986"},{"teacherId":9082661,"projectId":9210681,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project. Last school year, we utilized your donations in our behavior suite. They helped us to offer different means of support to students that needed sensory input. They were a big hit!\r\n\r\nI am very excited about this school year because at Sheridan Preparatory Academy we are building a Sensory Room in our building. The donations from last school year will now live in the Sensory Room. Students from Pre-Kindergarten to Fifth grade will be able to access these tools!\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1746641620747,"projectUrl":"project/exteroceptive-and-proprioceptive-sensory/9210681/","projectTitle":"Exteroceptive and Proprioceptive Sensory Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mondini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9082661_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723684120029","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9082661"},{"teacherId":2970691,"projectId":9346908,"letterContent":"First, we would like to thank you for contributing to our projest. We have used many of the supplies already. The folders keep us organized. The white boards and dry erase markers allow for participation from all students. We use the headphones everyday when I run small groups so the students on their chromebooks don't disturb us with their iXL work. \r\nThe hall passes have been working out great. They are soft and flexible so they will not get broken within the first month. We have used the scissors for various group projects, one of which the students had to work together with their group and they had to see which group made the longest paper chain. They LOVED it!\r\nWe are forever grateful for your generosity and getting us off on the right foot!","fullyFundedDate":1747091536258,"projectUrl":"project/the-basics-for-back-to-school/9346908/","projectTitle":"The Basics for Back to School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Palmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2970691_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565287155540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2970691"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_20997","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":285,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":57,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":65.6,"schoolId":20997,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sheridan Preparatory Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sheridan Preparatory Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/albany-city-school-district/sheridan-preparatory-academy/20997"}