{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Donald McKay K-8 School","outOfStateSupporters":38.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9564412,"projectId":9757068,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity and support! Thanks to your donation, our theater classroom now has a water-cooled air conditioner unit, and it has already transformed our learning environment.\r\n\r\nBefore this project was funded, our classroom often became uncomfortably warm, especially during rehearsals and performance-based activities. Theater is a very physical art form; my students are constantly moving, using their bodies, voices, and imaginations to bring stories to life. On hot days, the heat made it difficult for them to focus, stay energized, and fully engage in their creative work. Now, with our new cooling system, the room stays comfortable and calm no matter what the weather is outside.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has not only improved the physical environment of our classroom but it has strengthened our sense of community. You've shown my students that there are people beyond our school who believe in them and in the power of the arts. Thank you for helping our young artists dream big!","fullyFundedDate":1760359797590,"projectUrl":"project/keep-ms-ms-classroom-cool/9757068/","projectTitle":"Keep Ms. M's Classroom Cool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9564412"},{"teacherId":2216807,"projectId":9545060,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our project! We use the materials daily in our classroom and they have already made a huge impact on our year. Our students love reading in the new chairs, using the Dustbuster to clean up their spills, sharpening their colored pencils in our new sharpener, learning their trick words with index cards, and creating art projects that align with their learning using the paint and clay. They have also thoroughly enjoyed reading the new books and reread them frequently during independent reading. As teachers, we greatly appreciate the labels, so we are able to organize materials and student work. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your support! It is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1755704405518,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-start-to-the-new-school-year/9545060/","projectTitle":"Engaging Start to the New School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Antonucci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2216807"},{"teacherId":2216807,"projectId":9594027,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping to fund our project! Our new shelving unit has made a huge impact on our overall classroom organization and has provided hours of fun for our students. All the materials are games and art supplies that students can use during unstructured time. The students are able to find materials easily and put them back neatly without teacher support. This saves us valuable learning time, compared to last year, when our shelf would break nearly weekly, spilling materials across the room. The shelf also matches nicely with our preexisting classroom furniture. :)\r\n\r\nThank you again so much for supporting our classroom. We appreciate you!\r\nLove,\r\nRobyn and Sarah","fullyFundedDate":1756432244520,"projectUrl":"project/storage-for-hands-on-learning-experience/9594027/","projectTitle":"Storage for Hands-On Learning Experiences","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Antonucci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2216807"},{"teacherId":5802176,"projectId":9404818,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my classroom. Your donations have allowed us to have a successful start to our school year. The break space items have allowed us to have a spot where we can go when we are feeling overwhelmed or just need a quiet moment to recollect ourselves. The curtains have allowed only essential supplies to be displayed during each class so students know exactly where to grab their materials for an experiment. The storage cart has allowed students to grab materials when they need them, such as fidgets to help them focus. \r\n\r\nThese donations have allowed the creation of an organized and predictable environment. Students are able to do their best work in this environment and do so without distractions and clutter. Thank you so much for allowing us to have this space where we can focus on our experiments and STEM learning.","fullyFundedDate":1750854356337,"projectUrl":"project/an-easily-accessible-and-welcoming-envir/9404818/","projectTitle":"An Easily Accessible and Welcoming Environment!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yarmalovicz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5802176_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535590922158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5802176"},{"teacherId":3112857,"projectId":9620703,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, our students now have access to resources that will inspire their learning and make our classroom an even more engaging and supportive place.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and investment in their future truly makes a difference. The excitement on their faces when we use these materials reminds us of how powerful it is when a community comes together for education. As the materials arrived, students were so excited to set up and use our new materials. They even named the jelly fish and fish in our sensory lamp! Because of you, our students have everything they need to be successful this school year.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful that you chose to support us—you've given our students opportunities that wouldn't have been possible without you.","fullyFundedDate":1755730287296,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9620703/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Driscoll & Ms. Saintus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3112857_orig.jpg?crop=1743,1743,x927,y635&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724343746238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-driscoll"},{"teacherId":4599419,"projectId":9184492,"letterContent":"Your donation has allowed us to plan math learning units that involve self-directed independent learning, visual digital demonstrations, and multiple modalities for demonstrating understanding.\r\nWe are able to plan stations that involve computer work with video instructions that students can learn from independently while teachers work 1:1 or in small groups with students who are struggling or ready for more challenge.\r\nStudents can manipulate shapes and visually explore area of parallelograms using online applets that help them understand key mathematical concepts.\r\nLastly, students are able to use translation, text to speech, and speech to text services to help them understand the math problems and demonstrate their understanding of the content.","fullyFundedDate":1750787793384,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-self-directed-learning/9184492/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Self-Directed Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peake","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4599419_orig.png?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742588385137","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4599419"},{"teacherId":2001020,"projectId":9286608,"letterContent":"What a difference good organization makes! With these bins and this shelf, students can access the materials they need quickly and easily. \r\n\r\nWe have filled our bins with all different kinds of math materials - cubes in groups of 10, individual counting cubes, base ten blocks, digit cards, inch tiles, pattern blocks, and more! The clear bins allow students to see all of the materials so they can decide what they need to solve a problem. One student might grab base ten blocks to solve a subtraction problem. Another might choose cubes. Since the containers have lids, they can grab one without worrying about spilling, too!\r\n\r\nThese bins will really make a difference in allowing my second graders to access the materials they need to be successful learners. Thank you SO MUCH for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1746498625121,"projectUrl":"project/independent-minds-grow/9286608/","projectTitle":"Independent Minds Grow!!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruhling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2001020_orig.jpg?crop=1756,1756,x0,y1468&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673456593091","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tanyaruhling"},{"teacherId":9939215,"projectId":9151478,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. As the school year progressed, the cheap headphones I bought for my classes were breaking one after another. Often, the ear pierce would break from the band or it would suddenly stop working. With very few headphones left, my students struggled in class. With your help, I have supplied my classroom with a fresh new set of headphones for my students. \r\n\r\nThe headphones are a hot commodity in my grade. Students often ask if they can take the headphones to use for their next class. The headphones are sturdy and students love the different colors. They find it is able to block noises better than the previous cheaper ones. They have been able to focus on class better which has supported their learning. \r\n\r\nWithout you, my students would have continued struggled in my class. Now, they are more engaged and less distracted on their work. Thank you for your support in my students' learning.","fullyFundedDate":1741901145201,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-focus/9151478/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Focus!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9939215"},{"teacherId":3855854,"projectId":9047956,"letterContent":"On behalf of the McKay Volleyball Team, I want to extend our deepest thanks for your generous support. Because of your donations, we were able to purchase much-needed volleyballs, a volleyball cart, a scoreboard, and kneepads—equipment that will have a huge impact on our team.\r\nAs a second-year program, we are still building our foundation, and having access to proper gear makes all the difference. Your contributions have allowed our team to focus on developing skills, teamwork, and developing a love for the game. The excitement and when the new equipment arrived was unforgettable!\r\nThanks to you, our players feel more supported and confident than ever. Your generosity has not only provided tangible tools for success but has also reminded our team that there are people out there who believe in them.\r\nFrom all of us at McKay Volleyball—thank you for making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1737654200282,"projectUrl":"project/serve-up-success-help-us-ace-our-volley/9047956/","projectTitle":"Serve Up Success: Help Us Ace Our Volleyball Game!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3855854_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473187997627","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3855854"},{"teacherId":9331920,"projectId":9016458,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom vermicomposter is once again alive with energy—literally! The arrival of our new worms has brought an exciting spark to our science curriculum and helped deepen our students' understanding of ecosystems, food webs, and the power of decomposition.\r\n\r\nWhen the new worms arrived, the reactions were priceless. Some students squealed with surprise, others leaned in with fascination, and a few brave volunteers jumped right in to prepare their new habitat. Watching our class transform from curious onlookers to committed caretakers has been truly inspiring. One student who was initially \"grossed out\" now insists on being the \"worm wrangler\" during our composting sessions!\r\n\r\nWe're using the vermicomposter to reduce food waste from our cafeteria, especially fruits and vegetables left over from lunch. They've taken real ownership of the process, and we've had thoughtful discussions about sustainability and our role in reducing waste.\r\n\r\nRecently, during a field trip to the local arboretum, students proudly shared their knowledge about decomposers with our guide—explaining how worms help recycle nutrients back into the soil. It was a clear sign that they're connecting classroom learning with the world around them.\r\n\r\nYour contribution didn't just buy worms—it helped grow curiosity, responsibility, and environmental awareness in a group of future scientists. Thank you for giving my students this hands-on opportunity to explore science in such a meaningful, messy, and memorable way.","fullyFundedDate":1735238698695,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-and-reducing-food-waste/9016458/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science and Reducing Food Waste With Worms (Round 2!)","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Huynh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9331920_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734824850563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9331920"},{"teacherId":2001020,"projectId":9064782,"letterContent":"\"Can I go to the nurse?\" What a common sentence in an elementary classroom. Little kids are comforted by a band-aid on a spot that hurts. Having bandaids in our classroom really cuts down on missed learning from long walks to the nurse.\r\n\r\nAnd the tissues! With allergy season upon us, we are so happy to have a good supply of tissues to get us through the end of the school year. \r\n\r\nFinally, I'm not sure where all the scissors disappeared to over the course of the year, but we were able to replenish the scissors in all of our caddies so that there are enough for all students to use.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping replenish these essentials!","fullyFundedDate":1738074029756,"projectUrl":"project/a-winter-learning-boost/9064782/","projectTitle":"A Winter Learning Boost","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruhling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2001020_orig.jpg?crop=1756,1756,x0,y1468&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673456593091","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tanyaruhling"},{"teacherId":2001020,"projectId":8978367,"letterContent":"These book bins have really helped us to organize our books! These small bins are perfect for storing our decodable readers and other books that we use to help students advance their reading skills. With a nice, big label on the front, it is easy to grab the perfect set of books to work on the skill my students need. The bright, beautiful colors also brighten our classroom.\r\n\r\nNow that the books are easy to see, students are getting excited to read them. \"When will we read that book about jellyfish?\" someone asks while another eyes a \"Fly Guy\" book. I am always looking for ways to grow my students' love of reading, and these bins are helping!\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom and helping us get organized!","fullyFundedDate":1735657769771,"projectUrl":"project/the-perfect-book-for-me/8978367/","projectTitle":"The Perfect Book for Me!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruhling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2001020_orig.jpg?crop=1756,1756,x0,y1468&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673456593091","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tanyaruhling"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62854","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":640,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":87,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.0,"schoolId":62854,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Donald McKay K-8 School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Donald McKay K-8 School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/boston-public-schools/mckay-elementary-school/62854"}