{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John S Martinez Sea & Sky STEM","outOfStateSupporters":34.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8102119,"projectId":9665160,"letterContent":"Before your generous donation, our small-group instruction space was defined by limitations. The oversized furniture meant we could only comfortably fit four students, and my large teacher's chair prevented me from truly joining the table, creating a literal barrier between myself and my young scholars.\r\n\r\nThe transformation brought about by your gift is immense.\r\n\r\nBy funding smaller, student-sized chairs, we were able to maximize our limited space, immediately increasing our capacity to comfortably seat more students. This change means more students can participate in focused small-group lessons without feeling cramped or distracted.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the small, rolling teacher's chair has been equally transformative. I can now sit at the table with my students, eliminating the physical distance and allowing me to be fully connected during lessons. This simple change fosters immediate collaboration, closer interaction, and creates a warmer, more focused learning environment where every child feels included and supported.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide chairs; it unlocked the potential of our small office. It turned a restrictive space into a truly functional, collaborative, and effective learning environment for our most critical small-group work. Thank you for helping us put connection and focused learning at the center of our daily routine.","fullyFundedDate":1758636782711,"projectUrl":"project/small-chairs-for-big-learning/9665160/","projectTitle":"Small Chairs For BIG Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simonson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8102119_orig.jpg?crop=224,224,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756576051787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8102119"},{"teacherId":8310610,"projectId":9720166,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a hub of creativity, problem-solving, and joyful learning! The addition of Legos and magnetic building tiles has opened up countless opportunities for hands-on exploration and collaborative play.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the students saw the new materials, their eyes lit up with excitement and curiosity. One student shouted, \"This is better than recess!\" as they dove into building structures, vehicles, and imaginative cities. These resources quickly became a favorite during both free-choice time and structured learning activities.\r\n\r\nBeyond engineering concepts, these materials have supported important social-emotional learning moments too—students are learning how to share, take turns, and collaborate effectively.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to dream, build, and explore. Your support is helping shape not just better learners, but more confident and creative thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1758901621618,"projectUrl":"project/if-you-build-it-they-will-come/9720166/","projectTitle":"If You Build It, They Will Come!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granata-Basso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8310610_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722897905501","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/littlemisspepinmystep"},{"teacherId":8310610,"projectId":9554598,"letterContent":"The addition of the STEM organization unit has truly transformed the way we teach and learn in our classroom. Having a dedicated, well-structured space for storing science, technology, engineering, and math materials has made it significantly easier for students to access the tools they need to explore, create, and experiment. \r\n\r\nPreviously, it was often challenging to keep track of supplies or find what we needed in a timely manner. Now, everything has its place, and students know exactly where to find and return materials. This has not only helped maintain order but also encouraged responsibility and independence among the students. The unit has made it possible for us to smoothly transition into hands-on activities, fostering deeper engagement and more time spent learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757423211415,"projectUrl":"project/steam-it-like-you-mean-it/9554598/","projectTitle":"STEAM It Like You Mean It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granata-Basso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8310610_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722897905501","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/littlemisspepinmystep"},{"teacherId":8310610,"projectId":9522498,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! My students were thrilled to receive the new scissors, whiteboard markers, decorations, etc. Their excitement was contagious as we unpacked everything together! We've already used the supplies during a STEM project where students engineered solutions to a problem. The materials have made our classroom more engaging, colorful, and fun. \r\n\r\nYour support has not only supplied tools, but has sparked joy, boosted confidence, and enabled deeper learning. Thank you for investing in my students and in our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1754588575736,"projectUrl":"project/positive-vibes/9522498/","projectTitle":"Positive Vibes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granata-Basso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8310610_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722897905501","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/littlemisspepinmystep"},{"teacherId":8310610,"projectId":9114985,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations of necklaces, affirmation bracelets, mascot-themed keychains, and sunglasses, our pep rally became a truly unforgettable experience for our students. These fun and meaningful materials didn't just bring spirit to the event—they brought our community together.\r\n\r\nWe distributed the items during the pep rally as part of a school spirit celebration. Students proudly wore the necklaces and sunglasses while cheering on their peers, and the affirmation bracelets served as reminders of confidence and positivity. The mascot keychains became instant favorites—students were attaching them to backpacks and keyrings, proudly showing off their school pride.","fullyFundedDate":1741099885405,"projectUrl":"project/rallying-for-school-spirit-supplies-to/9114985/","projectTitle":"Rallying for School Spirit: Supplies to Ignite the Pep Rally!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granata-Basso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8310610_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722897905501","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/littlemisspepinmystep"},{"teacherId":9461480,"projectId":8205079,"letterContent":"Students have been working on a few advocacy projects throughout the school year including recycling and composting initiatives. Students were so grateful to have new supplies and materials to use such as bulletin board decorations and laminating papers which ensures that their posters and infographics that they hang in the school stay protected and nice. \r\n\r\nSpecifically this year, students have had a large focus on recycling and composting. They are making flyers, bulletin boards, infographics, etc to put in the school. 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The balloons and banners added a playful touch, making the space feel more welcoming and festive, sparking a sense of celebration among everyone.\r\n\r\nNot only did the decorations enhance the overall vibe, but they also brought a sense of unity to the event. The creative themes tied everything together, from the centerpieces to the backdrop for photos, giving everyone a place to gather and create memories. 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Join the 221 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John S Martinez Sea & Sky STEM is
an urban public school
in New Haven, Connecticut that is part of New Haven Public Schools.
It serves 486 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.2:1.
Its teachers have had 90 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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.
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
95%
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.
John S Martinez Sea & Sky STEM Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
John S Martinez Sea & Sky STEM
$49,050
raised using DonorsChoose
90
projects
funded
25
teachers
funded
221
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
6
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
John S Martinez Sea & Sky STEM has received support from
145 individuals from Connecticut and
76 individuals out-of-state.