{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation","outOfStateSupporters":36.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2286286,"projectId":10234738,"letterContent":"```python\r\ntext = \"\"\"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nWhen our packages arrived, my students were genuinely excited to unbox the supplies, especially the sheets of temporary tattoos and the bright blue silicone mats. With over 500 students rotating through my classroom every week for hands-on design and building projects, new materials never go unnoticed. The kids instantly recognized the temporary tattoos—with their bright butterflies, mermaids, unicorns, and glow-in-the-dark designs—and started buzzing about our upcoming Field Day. When we opened the silicone mats, the students immediately understood what they were for. They noticed the grid lines and heat-resistant material right away, knowing these meant fewer burned work surfaces and a much easier setup when working with our hot glue guns and 3Doodler pens. Even the Swiffer mop and wipes got a positive reaction because the kids know how quickly mess accumulates in a space shared by so many classes.\r\n\r\nThese new resources are already making a huge practical difference in our daily classroom routine. Managing 500 students means safety and efficiency are top priorities every single day. Before receiving these insulation mats, using hot glue guns and 3Doodler pens was always a bit stressful. Hot glue drops and warm plastic filament would stick to our work tables, creating a stubborn mess and posing a burn hazard for table surfaces. Now, students lay down the silicone mats before plugging in their tools. The mats protect our desks from high heat, and once the glue or 3Doodler plastic cools, it peels right off without damaging anything or leaving residue behind. Right alongside our building stations, the Swiffer mop, wet pads, and floor wipes are essential tools. Because we have class after class coming through to cut, glue, construct, and assemble projects, scrap materials, dust, and debris pile up quickly. The Swiffer allows us to do quick, efficient floor sweeps between class periods so the next group of students always enters a safe, clean environment.\r\n\r\nA specific moment that highlights the impact of these items occurred during a recent structural design activity. Students were using 3Doodler pens to draw structural frame components directly onto the silicone mats and hot glue guns to join them together. One student turned to me and said, \"It's so much easier to build when the plastic doesn't stick to the table, and I don't have to worry about burning the wood!\" Seeing them work confidently without damaging the furniture made the entire project run smoothly and efficiently. Outside of our regular STEM lessons, the glitter temporary tattoos were a massive hit for our school's Field Day. We set up a team spirit station where students could apply their favorite butterfly, mermaid, or unicorn designs before competing in outdoor field events. The highlight came later in the afternoon when we brought the classes back inside; when we dimmed the classroom lights, the luminous patterns glowed brightly in the dark, giving the students a fun, memorable moment of celebration after a long day of outdoor activities.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our students are moving into their next major engineering design unit, where they will construct multi-piece 3D structures and prototype models using hot glue and 3Doodler pens. Having these mats permanently integrated into our prep routine ensures that safety and surface protection stay at the forefront as their building projects become larger and more complex. Furthermore, keeping up with quick cleanups using our Swiffer supplies will remain a daily habit for all 500 students, teaching them shared responsibility and pride in maintaining a functional, communal maker space. Your generous donations provided practical solutions that make our high-traffic room safer, cleaner, and much more enjoyable every single day. Thank you for supporting our hands-on learning environment and making a tangible difference for hundreds of students!\"\"\"\r\n\r\nprint(len(text.split()))\r\n\r\n\r\n```\r\n\r\n```text\r\n615\r\n\r\n\r\n```\r\n\r\nDear Donors,\r\n\r\nWhen our packages arrived, my students were genuinely excited to unbox the supplies, especially the sheets of temporary tattoos and the bright blue silicone mats. With over 500 students rotating through my classroom every week for hands-on design and building projects, new materials never go unnoticed. The kids instantly recognized the temporary tattoos—with their bright butterflies, mermaids, unicorns, and glow-in-the-dark designs—and started buzzing about our upcoming Field Day. When we opened the silicone mats, the students immediately understood what they were for. They noticed the grid lines and heat-resistant material right away, knowing these meant fewer burned work surfaces and a much easier setup when working with our hot glue guns and 3Doodler pens. Even the Swiffer mop and wipes got a positive reaction because the kids know how quickly mess accumulates in a space shared by so many classes.\r\n\r\nThese new resources are already making a huge practical difference in our daily classroom routine. Managing 500 students means safety and efficiency are top priorities every single day. Before receiving these insulation mats, using hot glue guns and 3Doodler pens was always a bit stressful. Hot glue drops and warm plastic filament would stick to our work tables, creating a stubborn mess and posing a burn hazard for table surfaces. Now, students lay down the silicone mats before plugging in their tools. The mats protect our desks from high heat, and once the glue or 3Doodler plastic cools, it peels right off without damaging anything or leaving residue behind. Right alongside our building stations, the Swiffer mop, wet pads, and floor wipes are essential tools. Because we have class after class coming through to cut, glue, construct, and assemble projects, scrap materials, dust, and debris pile up quickly. The Swiffer allows us to do quick, efficient floor sweeps between class periods so the next group of students always enters a safe, clean environment.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our students are moving into their next major engineering design unit, where they will construct multi-piece 3D structures and prototype models using hot glue and 3Doodler pens. Having these mats permanently integrated into our prep routine ensures that safety and surface protection stay at the forefront as their building projects become larger and more complex. Furthermore, keeping up with quick cleanups using our Swiffer supplies will remain a daily habit for all 500 students, teaching them shared responsibility and pride in maintaining a functional, communal maker space. Your generous donations provided practical solutions that make our high-traffic room safer, cleaner, and much more enjoyable every single day. Thank you for supporting our hands-on learning environment and making a tangible difference for hundreds of students!","fullyFundedDate":1779833799793,"projectUrl":"project/this-that-and-the-other-thing/10234738/","projectTitle":"This, That, and The Other Thing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Discenza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2286286_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1552923383591","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-discenza"},{"teacherId":9459416,"projectId":10209581,"letterContent":"The addition of these wonderful celebration and reward resources has completely transformed the emotional climate of our classroom. These are a great way to reward students on their birthday. They love to get a birthday treat! \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reaction was pure magic. There were audible gasps and cheers, especially when they discovered the festive birthday bags and colorful crowns. For many of my students, seeing a dedicated birthday bag topped with a vibrant crown they get to wear all day makes them feel incredibly seen, valued, and loved by their school community. It has turned our classroom into a place where milestones are truly honored, and that initial burst of excitement has translated into a deep sense of pride and joy.\r\n\r\nNow that we have these incredible resources, our next steps are to elevate our current classroom projects and positive behavior systems. Your incredible generosity has not only provided these tangible materials but has also sparked a wonderful momentum of joy and encouragement that will carry us through the rest of the year!","fullyFundedDate":1780578274437,"projectUrl":"project/birthday-bags/10209581/","projectTitle":"Birthday Bags!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9459416_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778539982185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459416"},{"teacherId":9459416,"projectId":10206365,"letterContent":"My students and I are already diving headfirst into our new resources, and they have completely transformed our daily routines. We are using the notebooks and pencils every morning for our interactive writing and math journals, giving each student a dedicated, reliable space to draft their ideas and solve problems. Meanwhile, the crayons, tape, craft bags, and scissors have become the stars of our hands-on STEM and art centers. Just this week, we used the craft bags, tape, and scissors. Having these materials readily available has made concepts incredibly tangible and engaging.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the boxes of brand-new materials arriving in the classroom, their reaction was pure magic. They were so excited to get new materials for the classroom. They couldn't wait to organize their desks, and that initial burst of excitement has translated into a deep sense of ownership and pride in keeping their new tools neat and well-maintained.\r\n\r\nNow that we are fully equipped, our next steps are to take our current lessons to the next level. Your incredible generosity has not only provided the physical tools we desperately needed, but it has also sparked a newfound momentum and enthusiasm for learning that will carry us through the rest of our units!","fullyFundedDate":1777991594311,"projectUrl":"project/new-supplies/10206365/","projectTitle":"New Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9459416_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778539982185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459416"},{"teacherId":2286286,"projectId":10183739,"letterContent":"This project has made such an immediate impact in our classroom. The safety supplies have been put to quick use as my students are creating their planets. In addition, the foam cutter has quickly become the favorite tool in the classroom. My students have been rising to the occasion of classroom safety as they see how these tools can help their dreams come to reality.\r\nYour constant, overwhelming support of my students is such a gift. Time and time again, my students have been able to have experiences they never dreamed of due to your support. Thank you for being an advocate for my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1776098273279,"projectUrl":"project/safely-molding-our-world/10183739/","projectTitle":"Safely Molding Our World","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Discenza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2286286_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1552923383591","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-discenza"},{"teacherId":2286286,"projectId":10094104,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project and providing humidity control containers for our classroom's 3D printer filament! While storage containers might not sound as glamorous as the 3D printers themselves, they are the unsung heroes of our classroom makerspace. Your generous gift has solved one of our biggest engineering challenges and is keeping our classroom running smoothly.\r\n\r\nMany people might not realize how sensitive 3D printing materials can be. The plastic we use, called PLA filament, is highly absorbent. When it sits out in the open air, it acts like a sponge, soaking up invisible humidity. Wet filament becomes brittle, snaps inside the printer, and causes our students' 3D prints to turn out stringy, messy, or fail completely halfway through.\r\n\r\nThese humidity control containers are teaching our students a vital lesson in material science and equipment maintenance. They are learning that engineering isn't just about the digital design; it is also about understanding environmental factors and caring for your tools. Because of your gift, our filament stays perfectly dry, ensuring that when a student spends hours designing a project, the printer can actually bring it to life without a frustrating failure.","fullyFundedDate":1774460165724,"projectUrl":"project/heating-up-our-prints/10094104/","projectTitle":"Heating Up Our Prints","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Discenza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2286286_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1552923383591","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-discenza"},{"teacherId":2286286,"projectId":10077674,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for bringing a multicolor 3D printer into our classroom. From the moment we unboxed it, the energy in our room has been absolutely electric. Your generosity has provided my elementary and middle schoolers with a tool that makes learning tangible, exciting, and deeply meaningful.\r\n\r\nMany of us use technology at home for entertainment or basic tasks, but in our classroom, this 3D printer is turning students into engineers and creators. Instead of just looking at diagrams in a textbook, they are learning how to design solutions to real-world problems.\r\n\r\nThis technology helps them learn by demanding critical thinking. To print an object, they have to learn about spatial reasoning, geometry, measurements, and structural integrity. When a design doesn't print right the first time, they engage in hands-on problem-solving—tweaking their digital models and trying again. It is teaching them that failure is just a stepping stone to a better design.\r\n\r\nWithout a doubt, the most exciting feature of this new printer is the multicolor capability. Before this, many students thought of 3D printing as churning out single-color plastic shapes. Being able to print in multiple colors at once has completely unlocked their creativity. Thank you for giving them this experience.","fullyFundedDate":1770831845764,"projectUrl":"project/printing-in-full-color-bringing-ideas-t/10077674/","projectTitle":"Printing in Full Color: Bringing Ideas to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Discenza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2286286_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1552923383591","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-discenza"},{"teacherId":9458979,"projectId":9596870,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my classroom! The items I received truly brightened up my classroom and I am so thankful for that. The carts helped me organized, the broom kept my classroom clean, and the lanyards gave structure to my classroom. These are all things not only do I appreciate but things my students grew to appreciate heavily. Thank you for believing in my class and and believing in what I do. My students are in a safe and comfortable environment because of your support and it means the world to me.","fullyFundedDate":1755685726445,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-here-we-go/9596870/","projectTitle":"New Year, Here We Go!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rashidy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9458979_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x322,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777309986270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9458979"},{"teacherId":2286286,"projectId":9814210,"letterContent":"I don't know where to begin with this note. Mr. Erickson, you have made an impact in my classroom so much bigger than 3D filament. You were a mentor, leader, mood brightener, and support of all we do in the technology lab. Even in retirement, you continued to champion STEAM learning and gave our students a place to experience a world they may never have had the chance too without you. \r\nThe filament you donated with this project is going to allow our students to level up their work and print things they previously only dreamed of. This support is going to help hundreds of students who cycle in and out of my classroom as they develop their work and grow their love for computer science and engineering. Thank you for everything Sunshine!","fullyFundedDate":1760740810435,"projectUrl":"project/printing-in-full-color-bringing-ideas-t/9814210/","projectTitle":"Printing in Full Color: Bringing Ideas to Life (Part 2)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Discenza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2286286_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1552923383591","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-discenza"},{"teacherId":5566766,"projectId":9477853,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations of supplies to my classroom in New Haven. Your support has made a significant impact on our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contributions, we have been able to provide essential resources that enhance our educational activities. The supplies have not only enriched our lessons but have also fostered creativity and engagement among the students. Seeing their excitement as they use the new materials has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reflects the strong sense of community we are fortunate to have here in New Haven. It is inspiring to know that we have such dedicated supporters who believe in the importance of education and the growth of our children.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and support. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students, and we are grateful to have you as partners in this journey.","fullyFundedDate":1753299636522,"projectUrl":"project/tissues-pencils-wipes-oh-my/9477853/","projectTitle":"Tissues, Pencils, Wipes, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5566766_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533852376809","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5566766"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44020","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":495,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":57,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":64.0,"schoolId":44020,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/new-haven-public-schools/davis-street-magnet-school/44020"}
Join the 358 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation is
an urban public school
in New Haven, Connecticut that is part of New Haven Public Schools.
It serves 495 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.6:1.
Its teachers have had 143 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - 8
495 Students
34 Teachers
35 Davis StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation Demographics
95%
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
83%
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.
Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Oct 17, 2026
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.
Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation
$84,994
raised using DonorsChoose
143
projects
funded
33
teachers
funded
358
donors
11
projects
for
basic supplies
39
projects for
technology
6
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Davis Academy for Arts & Design Innovation has received support from
229 individuals from Connecticut and
129 individuals out-of-state.