{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas O'Brien Academy - Science & Technology","outOfStateSupporters":25.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":125552,"projectId":9491167,"letterContent":"When our new classroom rug, beanbag, and ceiling canopy arrived, my students were absolutely amazed. The moment they walked in, they stopped in their tracks and stared up at the cozy reading corner we were able to create because of you. One student whispered, \"It looks like a little book world!\" Another immediately curled up on the beanbag with a book and said, \"This is my new favorite spot.\" Your generosity transformed our room into a warm, inviting space where students genuinely want to read, talk, and learn.\r\n\r\nWe began using the rug right away during Morning Meeting and whole-group lessons. Having a beautiful, structured gathering space has made our transitions smoother and our time together feel special. The beanbag and canopy have quickly become part of our daily literacy block. Students take turns using the reading nook, and many who were more hesitant readers now eagerly volunteer to read there. It has been incredible to watch students settle in, relax, and engage more deeply simply because the environment feels comfortable and magical.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our classroom now has a dedicated space that promotes calm, focus, and a love of learning. Over the next few weeks, students will continue using the nook for partner reading, quiet brain breaks, and reflection time. The environment you helped create has already made a noticeable difference in our daily routines and in the joy my students feel when they walk through the door. We are truly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1755735392432,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-vibes-focused-minds/9491167/","projectTitle":"Cozy Vibes, Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cirigliano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125552_orig.jpg?crop=463,463,x690,y221&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720104328486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/125552"},{"teacherId":9750829,"projectId":9516517,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous donation, which has helped expand our classroom library. Reading is at the heart of our day. During our English Language Arts block, students engage with complex grade-level texts that connect to Social Studies and Science content. They build knowledge by asking and answering meaningful questions, and during Small Group Reading Instruction, they receive differentiated support to meet their unique needs.\r\n\r\nWhen I am working with small groups, students read independently from books of their choice. This is one of their favorite times of the day! They look forward to checking the schedule to see if they'll have independent reading time, and whenever they do, they dive eagerly into their books. Our new graphic novels have been especially popular—so much so that all the baskets I filled with graphic novels are now always empty because my excited readers have them all checked out.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly enriched these moments. Because of your support, my students have more opportunities to explore books that spark joy, curiosity, and a love for reading. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1754846537255,"projectUrl":"project/filling-shelves-fueling-literacy/9516517/","projectTitle":"Filling Shelves, Fueling Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sumpter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sumpter"},{"teacherId":9799347,"projectId":9050547,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire class, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of classroom materials. Your support has made an incredible impact on our learning environment, and we are beyond thankful for your kindness and thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\nThe materials you've provided will make a world of difference in our daily lessons. From the pencils and paper to the books and educational tools, each item will help us engage more fully with the curriculum and enhance our creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These resources will allow us to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together.\r\n\r\nYour donation not only supports our academic growth but also fosters a sense of community, reminding us all of the importance of helping one another. It is through your generosity that we are able to create a space where every student feels encouraged, equipped, and empowered to reach their full potential.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your incredible support. Your contribution means more than words can express, and we are truly grateful for your role in making this learning experience brighter and more fulfilling. We are excited to use these materials to continue our educational journey, knowing we have people like you who believe in our success.","fullyFundedDate":1742662095707,"projectUrl":"project/miss-rupinskis-classroom/9050547/","projectTitle":"Miss Rupinski's Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rupinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9799347"},{"teacherId":9799347,"projectId":8868782,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind donations to help our classroom. The joy on my students' faces as the packages came in was indescribable. They were shocked by how many people cared about making the classroom a fun and safe space to learn. \r\n\r\nAll forty of us can agree the rug was our favorite donation. Now, when I teach, students do not have to sit on the cold floor. Now they can be seated comfortably on a rug :). But the rest of the materials all came to a close second. Now, with the addition of all these new materials, we have completed multiple science projects, including creating a virtual food chain! \r\n\r\n\r\nWe cannot thank you enough","fullyFundedDate":1729290727322,"projectUrl":"project/comforting-classroom/8868782/","projectTitle":"Comforting Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rupinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9799347"},{"teacherId":125552,"projectId":8638314,"letterContent":"I am writing this letter with great gratitude to explain the difference your kind donation brought to my Grade 2 classroom. The new resources, including stools for group work, chair packs, and a crayon sharpener you donated, have gone a long way in creating the improvements needed in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe stools have become a common feature in our small group meetings. One time, during a science project, the students were grouped to make posters about animal habitats. They occupy their special groups and actively share their ideas with the other group members and the entire ambiance, inspiring them. The chair packs have improved organization; people do not waste time looking for their items.\" All is now easily accessible, and the students can quickly move from one activity to another. Despite the diminutive size, the acceptance of the crayon sharpener has been overwhelming. I observed students changing their plain grey crayons into bright-colored tools of creation, which gave them a shock of surprise and urged them to engage in arts.\r\n\r\nAt the onset, students had a positive reception when they encountered the said materials for the first time. \"Wow! This is for us,\" said one student, and the other student was overjoyed, saying, \"Now we do not have to stop coloring.\" Their authentic, happy faces reminded me of how such small extras bring great happiness and efficiency. \r\n\r\nThat is why our next steps include expanding this momentum. We are also now in the process of doing storytelling, where the students can create their own stories while they illustrate them. These materials will be the subject of their creativity and cooperation in the future work environment. These are not mere instruments but learning, socialization, and development mechanisms.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is much appreciated, and your support is valued. My dear donors, you have supplied us with these everyday needs and allowed many of us to develop a love for learning that will never be forgotten.","fullyFundedDate":1723984770200,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-our-learning-environment-a-re/8638314/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Our Learning Environment: A Request for Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cirigliano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125552_orig.jpg?crop=463,463,x690,y221&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720104328486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/125552"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_21006","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":262,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":25,"percentBlack":41,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"7.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":74.6,"schoolId":21006,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas O'Brien Academy - Science & Technology on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas O'Brien Academy - Science & Technology","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/albany-city-school-district/thomas-o-brien-academy-science-tech/21006"}