{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"University Neighborhood Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5476891,"projectId":9694659,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom, your generous donation of snacks has already made a meaningful difference. We use the snacks during long project sessions, small group rotations and after school clubs to keep students energized and ready to learn. Having snacks on hand is especially important because several families in our class rely on limited SNAP benefits; some students don't get a chance to eat breakfast on certain mornings, so the snacks you provided fill that gap and allow those children to participate fully in lessons and activities without being distracted by hunger.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, your gift will continue to support daily learning. Students will use the extra energy to engage more deeply in upcoming units across reading, math and science and to take part in collaborative projects and presentations. Thank you again, your snack donation not only supports nutrition but also sustains focus, confidence and equal access to learning for every student.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRead aloud","fullyFundedDate":1758899129441,"projectUrl":"project/powered-by-snacks-prepped-with-supplies/9694659/","projectTitle":"Powered by Snacks, Prepped with Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uddin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5476891_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638391951111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5476891"},{"teacherId":8803894,"projectId":9654236,"letterContent":"We are truly grateful for the generous donation of materials to our classroom. Your kindness has brought a wave of excitement and inspiration that is felt every day. From the moment the new items arrived, the energy in our room changed—students were eager, curious, and ready to explore in ways they hadn't before. The tools and supplies you provided have transformed our learning environment into a vibrant space where creativity and discovery flourish.\r\n\r\nOne of the most wonderful impacts has been seeing students engage more deeply with their lessons. For example, during a recent science unit, your donation allowed us to create hands-on experiments that brought abstract concepts to life. Students were not only more engaged but also more confident as they worked together, asked thoughtful questions, and made exciting discoveries. The joy in their eyes when they successfully completed an experiment or created a project was priceless. It reminded me why this work matters so much.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, your support has helped foster a sense of community and belonging. Students feel valued knowing they have access to quality materials, and this has boosted their motivation and self-esteem. It's amazing how having the right resources can encourage risk-taking and perseverance in learning. We have seen shy students become leaders and hesitant learners become enthusiastic participants.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, your generosity continues to empower us as we plan new projects and lessons that will further enrich our students' experiences. Because of you, our classroom is a place where every child can shine, grow, and feel supported. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this possible—you are truly making a difference in the lives of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758899126832,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures-literacy-and-fi/9654236/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures: Literacy and Financial Tools for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PETRELA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8803894_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y262&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666838964351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8803894"},{"teacherId":8803894,"projectId":9401224,"letterContent":"expressing their ideas. It was inspiring to witness their eagerness and confidence grow as they explored their imaginations on paper.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was when a shy student proudly shared their story aloud for the first time, encouraged by the engaging environment these resources helped create. Your generosity has truly opened doors for deeper learning and self-expression.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be building on this momentum by diving into a collaborative storytelling unit, where students will work together to create a class book. Your support is making all of this possible, and we are so grateful to have you as partners in our students' educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1758898842751,"projectUrl":"project/lower-east-side-young-curious-scientists/9401224/","projectTitle":"Lower East Side Young Curious Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PETRELA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8803894_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y262&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666838964351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8803894"},{"teacherId":8803894,"projectId":9107320,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous contribution, our classroom has been enriched with wonderful new resources that are already making a difference. Recently, we launched a hands-on science project exploring ecosystems, using the materials you helped provide. The students eagerly gathered around, eyes wide with excitement, as they explored the new tools and supplies for the first time. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it was heartwarming to see their curiosity ignite instantly.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment was when a student discovered how different plants and insects interact within a habitat, sharing their findings with classmates passionately. These resources have made learning more interactive and meaningful, allowing students to experience concepts firsthand rather than just reading about them. The joy on their faces as they engaged with the materials truly validated the importance of your support.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our students are preparing to create their own mini-ecosystems to observe over the coming weeks. This project will build on their current knowledge and encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific inquiry. Because of your generosity, we can continue to foster a love of learning and provide these meaningful opportunities. Thank you for giving our students the tools to grow and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1749225968524,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-oyster-growth-through-innovati/9107320/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Oyster Growth through Innovative Cold Storage Solutions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PETRELA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8803894_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y262&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666838964351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8803894"},{"teacherId":8803894,"projectId":9229482,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations and interest in our classroom, we have been able to create a more structured and supportive learning environment tailored to students with short attention spans and learning disabilities. The new resources, including assistive technologies, visual aids, and customized materials, have made a real difference in how our students engage with lessons. Recently, we used timers and focus apps during a multi-sensory reading project, and I was thrilled to see students who typically struggle with attention stay engaged longer and participate more actively. One student shared how the audio books helped them understand the story better, which was a wonderful moment of progress for our class.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was palpable. They were curious and eager to explore the tools, especially the visual organizers and manipulatives that made learning more hands-on and accessible. This enthusiasm has boosted their confidence and motivation, creating a positive classroom atmosphere where each child feels supported and valued.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are building on this momentum by integrating these resources into our upcoming lessons on problem-solving and organization skills. Our next steps include using planners and checklists to help students manage tasks independently, further fostering their focus and self-regulation. Your contributions have given our students not only tools but also hope, and we are excited to continue this journey of growth and learning together.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1746800876952,"projectUrl":"project/lower-east-side-scientist/9229482/","projectTitle":"Lower East Side Scientist","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PETRELA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8803894_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y262&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666838964351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8803894"},{"teacherId":8803894,"projectId":9224614,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your generous contributions have had on our classroom and students. Thanks to your support, we recently implemented a project on environmental science that engaged students in hands-on learning. We utilized the new resources, including interactive kits and digital tools, to create a mini-garden within our classroom. Students took charge of planning, planting, and maintaining the garden, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Witnessing their excitement as they observed seeds sprouting and plants thriving has been a remarkable moment for all of us.\r\n\r\nThe first day we unwrapped the new materials, the students' faces lit up with joy and curiosity. They eagerly gathered around the supplies, asking questions and brainstorming how to best use them. This enthusiasm translated into a deeper engagement with the subject matter, as they connected what they learned in class to real-world applications. Their reactions reinforced the value of hands-on learning and how it can ignite a passion for science.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve integrating the garden into our curriculum further. Students will conduct experiments to measure plant growth under different conditions, analyze the data, and present their findings to the class. This project not only enhances their understanding of scientific principles but also builds essential skills in collaboration and critical thinking. Your support has truly transformed our learning environment, and I can't wait to share more successes with you as our students continue to grow and thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1744032961132,"projectUrl":"project/young-scientists-collaboration/9224614/","projectTitle":"Young Scientists Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PETRELA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8803894_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y262&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666838964351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8803894"},{"teacherId":5476891,"projectId":9074588,"letterContent":"I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations. Your support has made a major impact on our office hours and student well-being. Stu\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, we've seen a significant increase in office hour attendance. Many students who missed breakfast have been able to grab granola bars, helping them stay energized and focused during their time here. \r\n\r\nYour kindness truly makes a difference in the lives of our students and we can't thank you enough for your continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1742823933324,"projectUrl":"project/snacking-on-math/9074588/","projectTitle":"Snacking on Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uddin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5476891_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638391951111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5476891"},{"teacherId":8803894,"projectId":8524111,"letterContent":"Since receiving the essential classroom tools, our students have engaged in transformative learning experiences that have greatly enhanced their understanding of marine biology. One specific project involved using new scientific equipment to conduct experiments related to oyster growth and environmental factors. Students worked in groups to measure water quality, analyze data, and explore how different conditions affect oyster health. This hands-on activity not only deepened their scientific knowledge but also helped them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the new materials, their excitement was contagious. They were eager to explore the tools and immediately began brainstorming how they could use them in their projects. The enthusiasm in the classroom was palpable as students collaborated and shared ideas, fostering a vibrant learning environment. This experience has not only motivated them but also encouraged a sense of ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve expanding our investigations into the life cycle of oysters and their ecological impact. Students will continue to use the essential tools to conduct experiments and gather data, culminating in presentations where they will share their findings with peers and the community. This project empowers our students to become advocates for marine conservation, and we are immensely grateful to our donors for providing the resources that make this educational journey possible!","fullyFundedDate":1733260675439,"projectUrl":"project/new-gen-scientists/8524111/","projectTitle":"New Gen Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PETRELA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8803894_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y262&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666838964351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8803894"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18751","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":132,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":67,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"6.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":18751,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about University Neighborhood Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"University Neighborhood Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/university-neighborhood-ms/18751"}
Join the 201 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
University Neighborhood Middle School is
an urban public school
in New York, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 132 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 6.0:1.
Its teachers have had 65 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
University Neighborhood Middle School Demographics
92%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
91%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
University Neighborhood Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
University Neighborhood Middle School
$38,973
raised using DonorsChoose
65
projects
funded
21
teachers
funded
201
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
12
projects for
technology
5
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
University Neighborhood Middle School has received support from
134 individuals from New York and
67 individuals out-of-state.